I'm not, but clearly they have designed it with the intention of processing applications and issuing residency through it. This should answer your question on the digitization element for these applications:
https://www.cicnews.com/2021/04/ircc-launches-online-application-portal-for-7-immigration-programs-0417746.html#gs.v8g8a6
Going digital isn't designed to give online applicants some special advantage over non-online applicants, it is being done to bring down overall processing times and avoid situations like COVID-19 mailing delays and obviously stop outdated methods like immigration officers scanning troves of papers which probably isn't fun.
Further, it helps applicants prevent making mistakes like failing to provide documents required of them, which causes processing delays on both ends, and things like replacing wet signatures with digital signatures in the event a signature was forgotten on a document or a proof of payment is missing (it happens) through the logic built into the online portal.
And mind you, it's
up to 25 months - some people are getting their In-land paper-based PNP in 6-13 months (lucky ducks!). They seem to be prioritizing in-Canada applicants which is consistent with the messaging we've been seeing from the IRCC.
You have a Work Permit Support letter - again, people would do anything for this document. Your cost of extension at $155 so like me you are very lucky and can keep staying in this country till your PR is processed.
You like Manitoba more? Wow. I have NEVER heard of someone say that. That is stranger than some saying "I love Saskatchewan" (which I do haha), so they will love you if you more there. You'll simply have to enjoy Toronto till you get your eCOPR unless you wish to pay more fees and try for Express Entry - whenever it opens again.