project 

Portage la Prairie Utility Maintenance Facility

location

Treaty 1, Portage la Prairie, MB

size 

9,300 ft²

year 

2023

status

Completed

the people

The City of Portage la Prairie required a facility to support the daily operations of its Public Works and Utilities departments, bringing together staff, equipment, and workflows into one efficient, purpose-built space. f-BLOK collaborated closely with the City through functional programming and iterative design to define both office and maintenance requirements, ensuring the building responded directly to operational needs and long-term municipal goals.

Led by f-BLOK as prime consultant, the project team guided the design, documentation, and construction process under a compressed timeline, delivering the project from concept through completion. Working in close coordination with the City, the team expedited early construction packages and maintained momentum throughout, ensuring critical infrastructure needs were met without delay. The result is a facility that supports staff wellbeing, operational efficiency, and the essential services they provide to the community every day.

The Process

Previous
Next

the result

The 9,300 ft² Utility Maintenance Facility consolidates office and maintenance functions into a high-performance, dual-purpose building located within the City’s Operations Yard. Designed to support both people and equipment, the facility balances durability and efficiency with comfort and sustainability.

To achieve these objectives, the project focused on operational flow, environmental performance, and long-term value. The design carefully addresses the interface between office and shop spaces, mitigating noise and air transfer while maintaining strong functional connections.

Key features and program elements include:

• 2,000 ft² of office space featuring a cross-laminated timber structure, natural daylighting, and staff amenities

• 7,300 ft² maintenance garage with mezzanine and four overhead doors to support vehicle servicing and storage

• A central corridor linking office and shop spaces, ensuring efficient circulation and clear adjacencies

• Locker rooms with fully accessible showers, and a kitchen/lunchroom that doubles as a meeting space

• Site and building layout designed to accommodate vehicle movement, turning radius, and operational flow

• In-floor heating and cooling powered by a closed-loop geothermal system serving the entire building

• Energy performance targeting an 86% reduction compared to standard commercial buildings, with reduced water use and operating costs

• Durable, low-maintenance systems and materials designed for long-term municipal use

Delivered within a tight and externally constrained timeline, the facility meets the City’s operational needs while supporting sustainability and cost-efficiency. The result is a resilient, high-performing building that strengthens essential services and contributes to the long-term infrastructure of the Portage la Prairie community.

Photos by April Carandang

Peggy May Legacy Centre

Maple Leaf Construction

Neeginan Centre

WHRC Affordable Housing

Long Plain First Nation

Cohabit

Hillsboro House Refresh

Launch Coworking

APC Greenhouse

Major Drilling Head Office

Deer Lake First Nation Housing Development

De Lucas South Landing

Commissionaires MB Offices

Brandon Cultural Hub

Attawapiskat Youth Centre

Previous
Next