A new McDonald’s under construction in downtown Portage la Prairie has now officially unveiled its signage — the golden arches are up, and the community can no longer think of it as “that mystery restaurant.” While many in town already anticipated the fast food giant’s arrival, the name had never before been formally announced. Mayor Sharilyn Knox confirmed the detail in a recent city council filing: the sign request submitted to the city clearly featured McDonald’s branding, though she had not publicly referred to the restaurant by name until now. Knox says the application package included sketches showing the iconic arches, but she noted that “the name was never part of the public discussion until the signs went up.” Downtown development heats up Some residents had grown curious over the summer when demolition and site clearing began in the downtown core. Earlier this year, PortageOnline ran a story titled New downtown development has Portage residents hungry for answers, noting that the new establishment's identity had been the subject of speculation. That piece pointed out the absence of branding or an official announcement, even though many assumed it would be a restaurant. The arrival of McDonald’s is hardly new to the city. When Portage Mall was slated to close, a retrospective article recalled that “Big Macs also became available to people in Portage when McDonald’s opened their first franchise beside the mall in October” of that earlier era. Over the decades, the restaurant has become a familiar brand in Portage, though this will mark one of the first full downtown locations. In 2022, Portage McDonald’s featured in human interest coverage when the local owner spoke of offering sanctuary to Ukrainian newcomers. That story strengthened the chain’s connection with the community, and the downtown move appears to be an extension of its local roots. What’s next for the development Sources close to the project say interior construction is well underway, and the signage reveal strongly suggests an approaching opening. City planners expect the restaurant will contribute to foot traffic and downtown vibrancy. The new McDonald’s may also appeal to visitors and shoppers seeking food options within walking distance of core amenities. For now, residents will no longer have to guess — the local government, through Knox’s disclosure, has confirmed what many had long suspected. The actual name stands as a clear sign that McDonald’s is downtown for real.