The Portage la Prairie Planning District continues to show rising numbers in the millions of dollars for permits issued throughout the city and RM of Portage la Prairie.

"And we look at it as a community thing, because we look at it as an area," says Development Officer and Building Inspector Kinelm Brookes. "We're the Planning District, so we look at the whole thing. Our numbers are really good. We're significantly more than where we were last year again, too. So, that's really good for us. Really good."

Kinelm Brookes at RM of Portage council chamber (photo by Mike Blume)Brookes explains that this year's report for the end of November shows $196,609,482 for 2019. The same date in 2018 saw them standing at $98,541,860. He notes this shows a substantial jump and reflects on the Roquette and Simplot stuff.

"And other things, too," adds Brookes. "We had hemp processing in the RM as well. But we also had four apartments built in Portage that were worth some dollars. They started the 12-plex that is in there as well. So, there is a significant amount of it in the RM, but there's a fair chunk in the city, too."

He adds there are still permits coming in, but this time of year is always slower than usual, noting more will pick up as the year progresses.

Following the interview, a more recent report was provided showing totals for 2019 at $197,529,482, and 2018 stood at $100,250,860, as shown below.