Portage la Prairie residents are halfway through their chance to help shape the city’s 2025 budget. The City Council’s first-ever budget planning survey has been live since October 29, and closes on November 30. With only a couple of weeks remaining, city officials are urging everyone to take a few minutes to weigh in on how their tax dollars should be spent.
“This is the first time we're doing this,” said Joe Masi, City Councillor and Chair of Finance. “We want to really hear from our residents in Portage la Prairie. What they think the priorities should be for the 2025 budget.”
The survey is simple, focusing on five key areas: quality of life, community safety, economic opportunity, showcasing the community, and building an inclusive and informed community.
Masi hopes the survey will give council and administration a clearer picture of what matters most to the community.
"It doesn't have to be detailed. It's just to give us their direction of what they think, whatever area they really feel passionate about. We certainly want to hear from them on that."
Once the survey closes, council will review the feedback and look for ways to incorporate common themes into the 2025 budget. While individual responses will remain anonymous, the city is considering sharing the broader results with the public.
"Our council, and our mayor, is very committed to being open and transparent, really listening to our residents. This is one way we hope that we could fulfill that promise."
Residents can access the survey on the City of Portage la Prairie’s website.