30 May 2008
Heritage the Hot Topic at AGM
Portage la Prairie Manitoba - Portage la Prairie Heritage
Inc. held its 16th annual general meeting this week, and the main focus this year was the Canadian Pacific Heritage Park project.
The Save the CP Rail Station Committee, a group under the umbrella of Portage la Prairie Heritage Inc., is working to restore the
115-year-old Canadian Pacific Railway station on Third Street N.E., and convert the structure into a museum.
"It's going to be recognizing the railway maintenance people from over the last 130 years," explained Vic Edwards, chairman
of Portage la Prairie Heritage Inc.
"The people who put down the tracks with their backs, through mosquitoes, through freezing, through heat and black flies, for the
expansion of Western Canada."
Roughly 30 members met at the Herman Prior 55-plus Centre on 27 May 2008 to discuss the progress made so far,
and what they will do in the following year.
Some of the work done last year included adding new windows and doors, painting the exterior of the building, and constructing a
partial platform on the south side of the structure.
Edwards said the organization has more big plans for the upcoming year, providing the project receives the funding it needs.
"We have applied to Neighbourhoods Alive! (for funding) to extend the platform on the south side the full length of the
building," he explained. "And we're going to add wheelchair access on the north side of the building."
Portage Heritage Inc. will be holding an antique and collectibles flea market at the Portage Industrial Exhibition Building at the
Island Park fairgrounds this Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to raise money for the project.
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