Page 22 - Southport Value Proposition - Feb 2023 Update

Local Attributes & Economic Impact

Local Attributes

Located in the centre of Manitoba, just 3km south of Portage la Prairie, Southport offers residents quiet country
living just minutes from the city of Portage, and only a short 60-minute drive from Winnipeg, the province’s
capital. Southport is 88km west of the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Southport is
also in close proximity to a number of key DND and other relevant/complementary operations such as:

17 Wing Winnipeg (1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions, Air Force Training Centre, 402 Squadron,

and 435 Squadron)
Air Force Training Centre – 1 Canadian Forces Flying Training School

Canadian Forces Base Shilo

Various Army, Navy and Air Cadet units in Manitoba

University of Manitoba – The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has a strong aerospace option.
Mechanical engineers can also study manufacturing engineering courses, or choose to specialize
in the aerospace option, where courses include aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, aircraft
performance, and aerospace materials.
Minot, North Dakota US Air Force Base – Minot AFB is the home of two major wings: the 5th Bomb Wing
and 91st Missile Wing, both of the Global Strike Command (AFGSC)
Grand Forks, North Dakota US Air Force Base – Grand Forks AFB is the home of the Air Mobility
Command’s (AMC) 319th Air Base Wing (319 ABW). The 319 ABW is organized into two distinct groups:
Mission Support and Medical. Grand Sky, a commercial UAS business and aviation park, is also located
adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Grand Forks North Dakota is also home to the John. D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and
the Department of Aviation. Among the most comprehensive collegiate programs, the John D. Odegard
school of Aerospace Sciences is recognized around the world for academic excellence. Since 1968,
their mission has been to shape the future of the aerospace industry by providing the best possible
education and training available.

Southport is also in close vicinity to several First Nations communities, providing unique collaboration

opportunities:
Dakota Plains First Nation

Long Plain First Nation

Sandy Bay First Nation

Dakota Tipi First Nation

Swan Lake First Nation