Major business developments in city highlight of past year

December 29, 2006
Portage Daily Graphic
Written by: Daily Graphic Staff

The last year was an active one for the local business sector. A newly-expanded Wal-Mart project was the highlight of the year in Portage la Prairie, while a fire that destroyed Portage Hotel was a low point, not only for local business, but also for Portage history.

After much speculation, in January, it was announced a new Wal-Mart store will be built in the city’s west end, with construction to start in the spring. The size of the new store was estimated at 11,700-square metres.

In February, it was reported Calgary-based grocer Westfair Foods Ltd. had plans to set up shop in Portage.

Also in February, Chris Duffield, owner of Duffield and Duffield on Tupper Street North, announced he was expanding his operation. Duffield purchased Porter Auto Sales’ building, and planned to renovate the site at 602 Saskatchewan Ave. W.

As well, in February, Gail-Lyn’s Fashion Boutique, which was located in Portage Co-op Town and Country Mall, announced plans to open for business in rented space from Portage Wearhouse.

In March, Greg and Glenda Shaw, owners of the new restaurant, Greg & Glenda’s, announced their business would open to customers on April 1. The eatery offers a taste of Mexican as well as North American dishes and freshly-baked goods.

April was also a good month for downtown business when Vaughn McEachern, and his wife, Linda, opened a Mexican dining establishment, La Canteena Restaurante, in Midtown Motor Inn.

Also in April, H&H Trailer Co., an Iowa-based company, reported it was negotiating to have its utility trailers manufactured at Hi-Tec Industries Inc. in Portage. The Portage business will be the only company in Canada building the product. John Dueck, owner/manager of Hi-Tec Industries Inc., confirmed his company expected to pick up the contract to manufacture the trailers.

Construction of Portage’s new Wal-Mart store got underway in May. Spokesman Kevin Groh confirmed crews were preparing the new site, located between Portage Mall and Craig Dunn Motor City, for construction. Groh said it was hoped the new store, to be situated north of the Jehovah’s Witness church on Sissons Drive, will be completed by early 2007.

Also in May, Can-Oat Milling Inc. began work to expand its facility, located west of Portage. The estimated $12-million project involved construction of a new mill, just east of the existing one, and two new silos. Work was expected to be completed by January.

In June, Mil-Jeanne Flowers, located in Square One at 102 Saskatchewan Ave. E. for 14 years, announced it will relocate to 106 Saskatchewan Ave. E. at the beginning of July.

Also in June, Portage Credit Union opened to its new three-storey building on Royal Road North. The former credit union building was demolished in July to make way for the company’s new parking lot and drive-through ATM.

In August, the 101-year-old Portage Hotel was razed in a blaze that took firefighters hours to extinguish. Portage Emergency Services, Cartier Fire Department, St. Claude Fire Department, the provincial fire commissioner and an arson investigation team were all on-site for the incident. The cause has yet to be determined.

In September, Heritage Books and Gift Shoppe moved into the former Spriggs’ Family Restaurant building on Saskatchewan Avenue West. Heritage Books opened its doors on Oct. 1, after moving from its location in Portage Co-op Town and Country Mall.

In October, Hi-Tec Industries Inc. confirmed it signed a five-year licensing agreement with H&H Trailer Co. to manufacture the company’s trailers. Currently, the trailers are only manufactured at H&H’s home base in southern Iowa and, as of last year, in New Mexico.

Also in October, a new chiropractic service opened in Portage. Chiropractor Dr. Aaron Armstrong, who was previously working at Royal Chiropractic Centre on Royal Road South, opened Dynamic Family Chiropractic Centre on Sept. 25.

In November, The Daily Graphic reported Trans-Canada Fitness, located at the south end of Canad Inns Portage, closed its doors due to financial problems. The club had about 300 gym members and employed about seven workers.

Calgary-based Westfair Foods Ltd. announced it will open its new location in Portage’s west end as a Loblaws grocery store, which will be built just west of the new Wal-Mart. Construction is expected to begin in the spring or summer of 2007, with a fall opening planned.

Also last month, Winnipeg-based Shindico Realty Inc. announced retailer Reitman’s Ltd. will build in the city’s west end.

In other business news, a local couple announced plans to offer a new service at 20 Second St. N.W. Kris and Kim Wikdahl plan to install immobilizers to help prevent auto thefts.

On Dec. 4, Simplot Canada Ltd. announced the top position at its processing plant, located just west of Portage, will be filled by Chris Tompkins, formerly senior production manager at McCain Foods Ltd.’s Portage processing plant. Tompkins, who replaced Jim Englar, officially became plant director at Simplot on Dec. 5.

© 2006 Portage Daily Graphic. All Rights Reserved.