It remains unclear whether Manitoba municipalities will get any help buying new radios that are compatible with an updated emergency communications system being activated in the province next year. While the Manitoba government announced last week it would cover all building and annual operating expenses related to the new system, no clear answer has been given as to who will pay to replace radios for local fire, police and public works departments.

"There were some questions posed to the Minister regarding that. We did not receive a response that I think directly offered an answer...so far there has been no commitment on that. That's certainly my sense of it," said Ralph Groening, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) lobby group.

This has left local councils with serious budget concerns as the new radios are estimated to cost between $4,000 and $8,000 each.

According to Groening, this price range is too general and he says more specific costs need to be pinned down in order for municipalities to try and meet the realities of future budget requirements. As a result, AMM officials have held discussions with the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, which according to Groening, play a major role determining the number of radios that will be required and the kind that would meet the needs of the province's 150+ fire departments.

Additionally, he says AMM will work to get some answers for municipalities.

"We will continue to provide advice and to pursue the interests of our municipalities, that is our task and responsibility and we will certainly take that message forward," he said.

Meantime, Groening welcomes the province's support announcement made last week at the annual AMM convention in Brandon, noting it shows a willingness to work together with municipalities.

He notes this new and improved communications system is something municipalities and emergency officials have advocated hard for and is something that needs to happen.