Portage la Prairie Councillor Joe Masi says this year's Association of Manitoba Municipalities meeting had a resolution on improving approval timelines from the provincial Municipal Board.
"This year's resolution was very specific around borrowing bylaw timelines," says Masi. "Last year we asked for a general review, but now we're pushing for concrete changes to speed up approvals."
Real-world impacts of delays
Masi points to Portage's recent experience with the Saskatchewan Avenue project as proof of why faster approvals matter.
"We had a great interest rate secured for Saskatchewan Avenue, but we were very close to losing it waiting for Municipal Board approval," he continues. "If we'd missed that window, taxpayers would have paid significantly more."
The councillor notes an internal review of the Municipal Board's operations is already underway. He emphasizes the need for process improvements rather than criticism of staff.
Growing Portage representation
Masi also celebrated Councillor Colin Doyle's election as Central District director at the same meeting.
"Colin Doyle will be our voice at the AMM table, dealing mostly with provincial issues important for Portage and all Central District municipalities," adds Masi. "Having worked with him for two and a half years, I know he'll do excellent work in this role."
Broad support expected
The councillor predicts strong backing for the Municipal Board resolution at AMM's fall convention.
"We're hearing from municipalities across Manitoba facing similar delays," says Masi. "The intent is clear - we want to see meaningful changes at the Municipal Board to improve response times for all communities."
The meeting also featured discussions about reducing interprovincial trade barriers, which Doyle strongly supported.
"I give props to the provincial government because they really appear to be taking the lead on this," Doyle notes. "We are all one country - why are we not having free trade through our provincial borders? It just makes sense."
While Portage didn't propose resolutions this year, Deputy Mayor Faron Nicholls impressed as first-time resolutions chair.
"Councillor Nicholls was nominated by Mayor Knox and aced it," Doyle adds. "You'd never know it was his first time in that role."
The gathering provided valuable networking opportunities and updates on key municipal issues affecting communities across Manitoba.
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