Today's the final day to fill out your census, and the City of Portage is urging all residents to have their Census form filled out. Councillor Melissa Draycott explains why taking the time to fill out the document is so important.

"Every Manitoban is documented when you give your information. Basically it comes down to funding and planning. Census collects all of the demographic information about every man, woman and child living in Manitoba. All of that information is used to make important decisions about your community, about Portage la Prairie, about the province and about the entire country. "

She explains this year marks the return of the long form census.

"I've heard that the long form census is a little bit longer. It's about 36 pages. It can take you a little bit more time to fill it out. I've already done my census online and it was really easy and convenient. It was very simple yes or no and fill in the blank answers.  It didn't take very much time at all. "

Draycott says taking the few extra minutes to complete the form could mean more money allocated to the community and much more information to help make informed decisions for the city.

Those who fail to fill out the census could face a fine of up to $500 and/or three months in Jail under the Statistics Act. However, Statistics Canada will be sending out reminders throught May and June to those who've not filled out the form by the May 10th deadline.