The Glesby's Portage and District Arts Centre has received a thousand more visitors this year than previously. Executive director Margaret Bernhardt-Lowdon attributes the increase to some significant efforts.

"We've gone out of our way this past year to make people feel welcome," explains Bernhardt-Lowdon. "We've marketed a lot of what we're doing on social media and adverstising as well. We've had an open house as well so people can see the whole organization. We've also conducted some school tours so children can see the dance studio, the pottery studio, the classroom, and the art galleries."

She notes it feels fantastic to see more people coming, adding the centre belongs to Portage and everyone here needs to feel welcome. Bernhardt-Lowdon says they get their numbers from visitors who sign their guestbook. She adds the centre maintains its grants through proving people are coming to visit their various programs by submitting those numbers, so asks you to pay a visit and ensure you sign the book.