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
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
