Portage's west end has seen much change over the last year and there's more on the horizon.  The new Walmart, Reitmans and a proposed Extra Foods or Superstore outlet will all line the west side of the city.  Some are concerned this development will draw business away from downtown, however Downtown Business Association President Dave Omichinski calls the recent boom positive.  He says big box stores like the new Walmart will draw in people from a larger radius which in-turn will increase the potential for downtown shopping.  In the meantime Omichinski says the Beautification Initiative has done a lot of work to spruce up downtown and the City has plans to further revitalize the area.  He believes this will help attract visitors and local residents to the heart of the city.