PCU Centre Booming in Business!

David Sattler, general manager of Portage Regional Recreation Authority

The PCU Centre continues to grow in popularity, bringing a lot of economic boost to Portage la Prairie.

David Sattler is general manager of the Portage Regional Recreation Authority and presented their statistics at the Portage la Prairie Rotary luncheon this week.

"In 2014 we saw a total of 108,000 visitors come to our two aquatic facilities. That is equivalent to five times Portage's population.  A popular destination spot in the summer is Splash Island. We have people who are driving from two hours away to come and spend the entire day there. So, what we're trying to do now is capitalize on that and try and turn it into every weekend for everybody in southern Manitoba to come to Portage."

Sattler says more ice rental times are being marketed.  

"Ice rentals. Right now we're fairly booked solid, say, October to February 4pm to 9pm Monday through Friday.  So, we are getting to a point where we have to get outside of that zone to increase our revenue generation.  So, early morning, say 6am to 8am, or late evenings after 9pm during the week.  And these are areas that we're  going to have to specifically market in the next few years, because we are reaching a saturation point."

He notes word is spreading about the PCU Centre, drawing more groups to hold events there.

"In 2014, we had 28 large events where people came to Portage for more than one day, most likely two. This included everything from hockey to ringette tournaments, provincial championships, Watchtower convention -- which is a huge event that takes place in the summer when we're a little bit slower -- and All Nations Tribal Days which brings 3,000 visitors from outside the region."

Sattler says their next big event is All Nations Tribal Days running from February 27 to March 2. Many activities will take place, not only in the PCU Centre, but the BDO Centre as well.