Topography
The city became a major transportation centre due to its proximity to the river, and later, the location of the main lines of the country's national railways passing through the community (both the CPR and CNR Railways intersect in Portage; the only place in Canada where the two railways meet), all within a few hundred meters of each other. This has made Portage la Prairie one of the most ideal places for railway aficionados to view trains; approximately 72 trains pass through the city each day. The Trans Canada Highway, a major national transportation route, runs past the city, and provides the community with business if highway travelers decide to make a trek into Portage. Also, since the land is very fertile, with soils abundant in nutrients, Portage la Prairie is also a major agricultural centre in Manitoba, as well as Canada. The rural area surrounding the community is undoubtedly a breadbasket in Canada, having some of the best soils in the country for producing a wide array of vegetables, grains and lentils.
The city has an aggressive tree planting program and is known for its mature urban forest. A collection of some of the largest cottonwood trees in Canada line the west end of the main street known as Saskatchewan Avenue (as well as Crescent Road which runs adjacent to Crescent Lake), and, along with many other varieties, are present throughout the city.
It is also the home of former Prime Minister of Canada Arthur Meighen; a school and an avenue are named in his honour.
Read more about this topic: Portage La Prairie
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