There will soon be a new recreation option for young families in Portage la Prairie.

At its meeting Monday night, City Council approved a conditional use application for the old Garden Gate building -- 2380 Sissons Drive -- to be used as a recreation facility. The applicant was Winnipeg-based business "Kid City," which plans to expand to Portage this fall. The new facility will feature a large indoor play structure and additional activities such as: a bouncy house, air hockey and table soccer.

"We've been waiting for this day and couldn't be more thrilled to actually be able to get this project underway and provide this for Portage la Prairie," Kid City owner Deena Caplette says. "There is going to be lots of different activities within the play structure that kids will be able to have fun with. It's going to be fantastic because they can socialize with other kids, play tag, interact and make new friends, all the while getting exercise."

Coun. Liz Driedger says just being able to fill a vacant building in Portage is great news for the city. In addition, this also meets a need for young families.

"A lot of times we hear young families say 'what is there to do in Portage?'" Driedger explains. "Someone has recognized a need and is willing to invest in Portage ... it's very encouraging. It's delightful."

Work to transform the space is expected to begin in August, Caplette notes, with an expected opening sometime in late September or early October.