The Portage la Prairie City Council is hoping to make the city a little bit brighter this year.

During this week's council meeting, the topic of green spaces and gardening was brought up. The city received money from the government for Manitoba 150 celebrations, but the event was postponed because of the pandemic. Councillor Melissa Draycott says you should expect to see some related branding this year.

"The city was awarded a grant of $20,000 for this initiative. We have purchased banners for Saskatchewan Ave and other downtown areas," notes Draycott. "Other funding will be used to place large MB 150 themed floral displays on the Island at the windmill and for benches and planters on downtown sidewalks"

Draycott notes the colour scheme for MB 150 is red, yellow, white, and blue, which is going to be displayed in public planters and hanging baskets this year. She adds there's some stuff happing with Communities In Bloom as well.

"We did achieve a rating of four out of five blooms in 2019. However, in 2020, the program was cancelled due to the pandemic, and programming is resurfacing this year in 2021. The city will be participating again," says Draycott. Also, the Communities in Bloom Committee are taking on a project to enhance the cenotaph site."

The city council also received a letter from the Canadian Garden Council, requesting that cities provide letters of support to the federal government to declare 2022 the year of the garden throughout Canada. Draycott says it's a way to support our community emerging from the pandemic and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canada's horticulture sector.

"Gardening has increased in popularity as many look for ways to improve their quality of life during the pandemic safety measures," says Draycott. "For our city encouraging green space, beautification is beneficial to our residents and to tourism as well."