The RM of Portage la Prairie has given the okay to purchase a loader that will be used predominantly for its snow-clearing work in the community of Oakville.

Reeve Kam Blight says the current bidirectional unit tractor has seen its day,

"It's been repaired numerous times," says Blight. "It's an older piece of equipment and the loader is beyond repair on that unit, but it's still a very versatile utility tractor that can be utilized. It's just not going to be able to clear snow and it's quite light duty."

He says the past winter was a heavy snow year, and the current equipment started to show its age.

"The RM of Portage just approved for the Oakville Utility to purchase a used Kawasaki wheel loader that will certainly be utilized a lot of different ways, but especially in snow removal," continues Blight. "I think it'll be a very strong contribution to the equipment and the fleet of equipment that's there to help keep the streets open as quickly as possible and clear in the community of Oakville."

Blight adds the wheel loader will be in use as soon as possible.