Portage la Prairie City Council's once again discussing their question period. The initiative was launched last year, to provide citizens an opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the agenda between the council and committee meetings. The move came from a suggestion from citizen Bill Knott, who has since requested the period be used to answer all questions, not just those related to the meeting's agenda.

Councillor Brent Budz brought the motion forward last night but noted he wouldn't support the change. During his report he noted 26 questions have been asked since the question period was put in place, but those took place at only six of the last 16 meetings. Budz also noted only a handful of individuals were using the opportunity, so he feels changes to the period would be unnecessary.

"We quite honestly have not seen a great uptake on that. It's primarily used by very select individuals in our community. I felt, and continue to feel, that this council is very accessible not only by phone and by email, but by personal visit. I don't think we're disconnected from our community by not allowing a broad spectrum during question period."

Councillor Liz Driedger Mirrored Budz's comments, noting by opening it to any and all questions, the question period could become difficult to control.

Other councillors were in support of the change. Brent Froese was the first to voice his support, noting transparency was a major focus during the 2014 municipal election.

"Virtually all of the candidates spoke to the issue of transparency, and there have been some questions of how open council is to questions and citizen input into issues. Although I believe we are open and intend to listen to constituents all the time, I think having an extra opportunity for citizens to make their questions known in the public forum can't be anything but healthy."

Ryan Espey and Melissa Draycott felt opening up question period was a good idea, but noted some parameters would need to be in place to ensure meetings weren't getting out of control. Draycott feels opening up question period would not only allow another avenue for public engagement, but could also encourage more citizens to get involved.

"I feel it could be an encouragement for people to come and listen to our council meetings. There's a perception out there that we meet behind closed doors. That's not the case, and if it is I'm not getting the notice that we're meeting. I'd like to invite people just to attend our council meetings to hear what we have to say."

The issue will go to a vote at the February 22nd meeting, which will be held outside of Council chambers.

No questions were asked during yesterday's meeting.