Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox loves her role

By Lisa Kopochinski

When asked what Portage la Prairie Sharilyn Knox enjoys most about her position, she says it is the constant sense of discovery that it brings.

“Every day as Mayor feels like a deep dive into getting to know our city on a deeper level – its diverse residents, thriving businesses, and the everflowing stream of visitors. There’s always something new and promising on the horizon, and I appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with our community to address challenges, foster growth, and contribute to the city’s ongoing success. It’s a position that allows me to make a meaningful impact on the place I call home, and that, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of being Mayor.”

While she has only been Mayor for one year, her interest in city politics was ignited years before when she began to observe Portage la Prairie for both its successes and challenges.

“It was this combination of recognizing the existing challenges and envisioning a brighter future that inspired me to become actively involved in conversations with our leaders and, therefore, took the jump into city politics. I wanted to contribute my efforts and ideas to help address these challenges and work towards a better, more prosperous future for our city.”

Her beginnings and interest in politics

To understand Mayor Knox, it’s best to get an idea of her background growing up. Born in Winnipeg, she was adopted at five days old and grew up in Shoal Lake, northwest of Brandon, until her Grade 11 year, when her family moved to Gladstone.

“For my education, I pursued the Certificate of Applied Management program at the University of Manitoba. This academic journey provided valuable knowledge and skills that have helped shape my professional and personal development.”

As a resident of Portage la Prairie since 2012, her interest in city politics was ignited when she began to observe the city for both its successes and its challenges. It was this combination of recognizing the existing challenges and envisioning a brighter future that inspired her to become actively involved in conversations with our leaders and make the jump into city politics.

“I wanted to contribute my efforts and ideas to help address these challenges and work toward a better, more prosperous future for our city,” she says.

Mayoral challenges

As council, Knox and her team have encountered and continue to grapple with several significant challenges, with the most pressing being addressing crime and safety concerns within the community.

“Ensuring the well-being and security of our residents is paramount. However, tackling these issues effectively often requires extensive collaboration with all levels of government, which can be a time-consuming process. Finding comprehensive and sustainable solutions to enhance safety and reduce crime rates remains a continuous endeavour. Nevertheless, it’s a challenge we’re fully committed to addressing head-on, as the safety and peace of mind of our residents are at the core of our responsibilities as city leaders.”

Having said that, she is pleased with the direction that Portage la Prairie is heading toward and finds the growth and development of businesses in the city particularly exciting.

“I am eager to see this momentum continue. I would like to see some of the gaps in the types of businesses we have in our community filled, ensuring that we offer a diverse range of services and opportunities for our residents. We, as a city, are ready and willing to support and collaborate with our business community to ensure their success and, in turn, contribute to the overall prosperity of Portage la Prairie. It’s an exciting time for not only our city, but also for our region. I look forward to seeing our collective vision for growth and progress come to fruition.”

Male-dominated field

While we are seeing more women in leadership roles across the country, there are still challenges that female politicians typically face in a maledominated profession. When asked what some of the best ways are for women to deal with or overcome these challenges, Knox says focusing on the positive aspects is a constructive approach.

“Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the political arena, enriching the decision-making process with diversity. To overcome challenges, we can engage in networking and mentorship programs that provide valuable support and guidance.”

Additionally, she stresses the importance continuing to advocate for gender equality and representation within politics, as increased awareness and action can lead to more inclusive environments.

“Ultimately, the journey for female politicians is about embracing our strengths, staying resilient, and using our voices to create positive change, not only for ourselves but also for the broader community we serve. What I enjoy most about this role is the constant sense of discovery and connection it brings.”

In her spare time, Knox says she has become a real fan of podcasts, but ultimately, “I love being with family and friends (and my dog, Benny), whether at the lake, on the golf course, or finding fun ways to embrace winter in our wonderful city.”