Portage la Prairie residents have an opportunity to make their homes a bit more attractive, thanks to the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation. The PCRC is calling for applications for the Home Beautification Grants, which are funded through Manitoba Housing's Neighbourhoods Alive program. Community Facilitator Victoria Olson explains the program aims to improve curbside appeal for both homeowners and landlords.

"The grant is for $2,500 for homeowners or $1,000 for landlords who are willing to match that. It's two different grants, and there are certain qualifications. It's a really extensive application, but really easy at the same time."

Olson says these grants can play a great role in building a sense of pride in the community, noting once one person on the street uses the grant for the work, it often causes a ripple effect.

"If you have a person who's received this grant, and they're outside beautifying the front of their property and their neighbour see, they're neighbours start seeing. The neighbours then ask how they're doing this and how to get involved, and it just kind of spreads that way. It's just adding value and beauty to the city."

The deadline for applications is March 31st, and they can be picked up from multiple businesses around town, at the PCRC Office, or can be printed off the PCRC website.