Making Portage Home Again, Part 1 of 4

 

Have you heard it? “I can’t wait to get out of this town and never come back.”

Most often, the sentiment is voiced by teenagers and most often, they are referring to the only town they’ve ever lived in. Still, they somehow know that anywhere would be better than where they are. They almost always manage to leave. I don’t know what the stats reveal for those who truly never return, but occasionally, adults who left their hometown in their late teens or early twenties drift back. On purpose.

I thought it might be fun to interview a few people who have intentionally returned to make Portage la Prairie home again. I put out an invitation on social media and received replies from a surprising number of people who grew up here, left as young adults, and then returned to live. I’m happy to share seven stories with you over the next four weeks from Aldene Moroz, Sharryl Loewen-MacDonald, Dennis McMillan, Linda Kirton, Mitch Moar, Kaitlyn Coates (McDermid), and Colin Doyle. I hope you’ll join us as we recognize what a terrific home we’ve actually got here.

Born and raised in Portage, Aldene Moroz left for the brighter lights and better opportunities of Winnipeg at the age of 18. “Portage gets a bad rap!” she says, recalling wonderful memories of her childhood here, including picnics at Island Park, Lions Pool, and Delta Beach. When she and her husband were ready to retire in 2010, they chose Portage because Aldene’s mother lived here and needed her help. Aldene felt excited and looked forward to reconnecting. She became involved in volunteering and was surprised to land a part time job with Sunset Palliative Care. “I’ve made the nicest friends through swimming and through Weight Watchers. People are very welcoming,” she says.

When people ask why she chose Portage over a city with more cultural opportunities, Aldene tells them, “It’s affordable. Our property taxes are less than half what they were in Winnipeg for the same size home. You can do stuff with that money!”

She also appreciates the community atmosphere. “When I lived in Winnipeg, I would go to city hall and not know a soul. Here, if I stop in at city hall, I probably know five people. I can honestly say I would never move back to Winnipeg. Portage is a gem of a city with lots to offer.”

Aldene says the key to feeling at home is volunteering. “There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved, to help out. You don’t have to stay in your own clique. I’d like to see Portage grow more, see tax incentives for businesses to come here, more variety of restaurants. I hate when people drive to Winnipeg because groceries are cheaper. What about the travel cost? Support local!”

Sharryl Loewen/MacDonald is another recent “returnee” to Portage. Born here, she grew up at Peony Farm and attended Dale Prospect, Yellowquill, and PCI schools where she made many lifelong friends. At 18, she moved to Winnipeg to study nursing at St. Boniface Hospital. In May of 2020, at 63, Sharryl returned to Portage. “Our only daughter had moved here and we wanted to be close to our four grandkids, enjoy them, watch their growth and development on a day-to-day basis.”

Sharryl admits she felt a little uncertain and reluctant at first because her husband is not from Portage. But he wanted to be closer to their daughter and her family, too. “Being born and raised here, I felt comfortable as I had kept up long time friendships, so I came back to my roots.”

She has, of course, seen changes. “We never had a rec center
like Stride Place which is a big bonus for the community. Coming back to Portage in my sixties, I feel I have a better appreciation for my roots.”

More stories next week.