Portage la Prairie City Councilor and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board Member Joe Masi is urging the federal government to prioritize housing, infrastructure, and public safety reforms in its 2025 budget.
As both the Finance Chair for Portage and a national voice for municipalities, Masi highlights the growing need for certain investments, aimed at addressing local challenges while setting the city on the path towards long-term success.
Housing and infrastructure: building foundations for growth
Masi stresses that federal housing targets for the city must reflect what Portage can handle, rather than larger urban centres like Toronto. Key to this is infrastructure funding to support new developments.
“We can’t build housing without infrastructure—it’s like building a house without toilets or roads,” he says. “Municipalities get just $0.10 of every tax dollar collected in Canada. We need alternate revenue streams to fund these projects without overburdening property taxpayers.”
A critical ask is doubling the federal Community Building Fund, an unconditional grant program Portage will use to double its road budget in 2025.
“If we get more money into this fund, we could potentially accelerate projects like the new St. John’s Street roadway connecting the southeast development to River Road,” Masi explains.
This corridor will unlock a mixed-use housing and greenspace neighbourhood on the former Aggasiz Land.
Water and wastewater infrastructure is another priority, with Portage’s $100 million water treatment plant expansion set to begin construction in May 2026.
“This project ensures clean water for residents and businesses,” says Masi. Detailed design and approvals are expected by October 2025, with the plant operational by August 2028. Federal support is critical to offset costs currently shouldered by local taxpayers.
Public safety: tackling crime and supporting first responders
Masi calls for federal investments in bail and parole reforms to curb repeat offenders - citing recent tragedies in the area - alongside resources for RCMP staffing and mental health supports.
“We need tougher accountability for offenders and help covering rising policing costs,” he says. “Our Community Safety Officer program works, but RCMP vacancies put strain our officers, whom we need more of, and that's one of the city’s fastest-growing expenses.”
He adds, "We must ensure those who protect us have the support they need after traumatic incidents.”
What it means for Portage looking forward
From safer streets to lower utility costs, these federal investments would directly affect Portage households. Infrastructure upgrades like roads and water systems will enable further housing development, making life in Portage more affordable in the long term. Meanwhile, public safety measures will look to reduce crime and its societal costs, which hopes to have a much more immediate effect.
As budget discussions continue, Masi encourages residents to stay informed through city council updates and FCM advocacy channels.
“These priorities aren’t just about numbers—they’re about building a sustainable future for Portage,” he says. “With federal partnership, we can grow responsibly and keep our community thriving.”
Residents can track the Water Treatment project’s progress and federal budget developments via the City of Portage la Prairie’s official website and public council meetings.