A Tesla Electric Car charging station is in the works for Portage la Prairie's west end near the Dollar Store parking lot. Shindico President and Portage native Sandy Shindleman explains why Portage was chosen.

Tesla Charging Island (photo courtesy Tesla website)"It's got great access," he says. "It's got a controlled intersection, and it's great for us to bring people off the highway into Portage la Prairie so they can see what we have to offer. If people get a taste of Portage, they may linger in the city for a little bit longer. We want Portage to be associated with the iconic brand."

Shindleman explains Tesla markets the location of charging stations to its car owners, noting these locations are on their maps and software. Portage will be indicated on those devices.

He says Portage was chosen because Shindico is promoting what's gone on with Simplot and the new pea plant, and industrial job creators that are flourishing here. "It's a good it time to be in Portage la Prairie and be from Portage la Prairie," he says. "We think Portage la Prairie is due to have everything."

If not the first, Portage la Prairie will be among the first to have such a charging station in Manitoba, and Brandon's Corral Centre will be next.

Construction will be completed in late August.

Portage is on the Tesla Map for upcoming charging station locationsThere is some work to do to establish a charging station here. Electrical supply and some construction along with the charging islands will be built.

"We promote Portage everywhere we go and everywhere in the world, because it's nice to add jobs and work with a progressive city administration and council who wants to expand the tax base as well as jobs," Shindleman continues. "That's not the case everywhere."