Last night's Portage la Prairie City Council meeting started differently than usual.

An original work of poetry read by local writer Stephanie Kauffman opened the session. It was a response to Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi's challenge to mayors across Canada to do that, as a way to acknowledge World Poetry Day on the 21st of this month, and National Poetry Month in April.

Kauffman admits being asked was a surprise.

"I just moved into Portage in September, and one of my things is to be in a town, to become part of the community, to try and do things. I enjoy service. And so this was a chance to say. you want to be of service, you've been asked, step up to the plate."

Stephanie Kauffman

Mayor Irvine Ferris says poetry's part of our culture.

"I think a community's culture is very, very important. I know a lot of times it doesn't get the attention that it really deserves. This type of talent in our community improves the quality of our lives, and we're fortunate, we have a lot of very talented people, gifted people, and this is just an example tonight. So I think it's important for leaders to acknowledge the talent within our midst."