The Association of Manitoba Municipalities has reached the second day of its convention in Winnipeg.
The event started on Monday and it features delegates from Manitoba's 10 cities. Colleen Smook, who is the Mayor of Thompson, was re-elected as the Cities Caucus Chair for a renewed two-year term.
The Parkland region is very well represented as both Dauphin City Council and RM Council are in attendance for the three-day convention. Ernie Sirski, who was recently named Reeve in the RM of Dauphin says it has been a very positive past few days.
"It has been very interesting," said Sirski. "When I look at it, 45% of the attendees this year are new, they haven't been here before, including me. It's a learning experience and it's been all positive so far."
The heavy topic so far has been the impacts of inflation on municipalities and the need for action by the provincial government to end the seven-year freeze on municipal operating funding.
"It's an ongoing topic and it's something that we are trying to find ways to address it," said Sirski. "When it comes to farming, many people are talking about the price of parts and not even being able to get some parts, it's a major topic and we will continue the discussion."
In a release, Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Kam Blight had the following to say.
“All Manitoba municipalities are feeling the cost of high inflation. Local governments face huge challenges in maintaining current infrastructure—and this is not to mention growing needs. ," noted Blight. "We urge the Province to end the operating funding freeze in its next budget."
