A new position's been initiated by the City of Portage la Prairie, called the Director of Public Safety.

It'll be filled by Fire Chief Phil Carpenter, and Mayor Irvine Ferris says it'll mean one person in charge of several enforcement activities.

"This position will have oversight of the Fire Department, the RCMP contract, which is becoming more complicated, as time goes on," he says, "Also, by-law enforcement, and that will include animal control, and the Emergency Operations Centre."

Ferris points out some of the fire chief's duties will be taken over by the deputy chief, and the captains. He doesn't believe Portagers will see much change.

"I think for most citizens, it'll be business as usual," he notes, "But we should see an improvement in service delivery. The other thing is that we should see a big improvement as far as emergency preparedness. And that puts a few more resources in that area."