In about two months, Portage la Prairie's going to be visited by Communities in Bloom judges.

That's from Portage Community Revitalization Corporation Acting Executive Director Victoria Olson, who says they're working closely with the City, as the judging process gets closer.

"We've already started on some projects in town, and we're planning the judges' tour," she says, There's a bit of a theme happening across the city, with all of the red and white flowers, so we're very thrilled that we were able to partner with the City of Portage to bring some unity to the aesthetics of the city, and they look great, and we're so happy with the outcome of that."

Olson sees participation in Communities in Bloom as important for Portage, noting it's about civic pride.

"Pride of ownership," she says, "Pride of ownership in your own property, and pride of ownership over your community. Whether it's just cleaning up your yard, or seeing some garbage, picking it up -- if you see graffiti, call the hotline. There are solutions to all of these problems, and if everybody pitches in, we're going to have a beautiful and happy community."