A sale of a lot in the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park, just west of Portage near the Simplot location, was discussed at this week's RM of Portage la Prairie council meeting.

Reeve Kam Blight says it's a sign of growth in the area.

"There's a lot of exciting enquiries that are coming into the Portage la Prairie region," says Blight. "There's definitely a lot of interest in new investment coming into the area, and expansion of current businesses. The sale of this lot in the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park is just one example that there are constant discussions taking place with our local investment team and the Portage Regional Economic Development Corporation."

Simard Industries (out of Brandon) is purchasing the lot and they will be using it for rotating equipment maintenance in shop (pumps, gearboxes, turbines), stainless and mild steel fabrication, Industrial maintenance support, and Pipe fabrication.

The lot is listed at $125,000 and the offer to purchase is for that price

The RM states, "They currently have a service contract with a large industry and would like this site to be their home base with the intention to grow their business."

The RM accept the offer to purchase Lot 16 in the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park from Simard Industries Inc. on condition of acceptable development agreement and conditional use approval, and That the CAO and Reeve be authorized to sign the sale and development agreements.

Blight notes there's definitely no shortage of interest in our area.

"So, it's an extremely exciting time for Portage la Prairie and region."