Portage la Prairie's Mayor says policing and infrastructure were two of the hot topics at this week's Association of Manitoba Municipalities' Municipal Officials Seminar. When it comes to infrastructure, Irvine Ferris says it's an issue they're watching closely, especially as it relates to funding for different projects. Ferris says it's especially important in Portage, as the city prepares to move forward with a major multi-million dollar project.

"Nutrient removal at our wastewater plant and to give you an idea of the scope of that, the latest estimate is over $100 million for that project. That's a very significant project, and we certainly rely on our senior partners, the federal and provincial governments, and they're very important partners to us."

He notes discussions with the federal government regarding funding for infrastructure are ongoing. However, Ferris says the feds have indicated they want to hold off on any decisions until after the provincial election. They hope to resume the meetings next week, once a government's back in place.

Meanwhile the ongoing challenges with the cost of policing were also in the spotlight. Ferris notes the issue stems from a 2015 Supreme Court of Canada decision, which states RCMP officers and reservists have the right to collective bargaining, and option that wasn't in place in the past. While the decision's been made, the federal government was recently given a four-month extension to tackle the issue. Ferris says at the municipal level, many are wondering just what this will mean for local government's budgets.

"Policing costs are a significant part of our budget as it is with other cities, including the city of Thompson. We're looking at the options, in terms of what it means for the budget process. It's another area of focus the AMM Cities Caucus has."

While the right to collective bargaining could increase the cost of policing, another measure at the provincial level could help reduce costs. Ferris notes they're watching a recently proposed change to the Mental Health Act, that would change the responsibility of escorting those in the mental health system.

"We expect follow through on that, even if a new government's formed next week. That will reduce the time our RCMP officers spend doing escorts and that type of thing, and instead get them back on the streets where we want them."

However, Ferris says it's unclear who would pick up the cost for taking over those escorts, but says the changes will help broaden the rules surrounding who's able to conduct escorts.