Delegates from Manitoba's ten cities met in Winkler for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Cities Caucus meeting to discuss shared priorities and advance collective advocacy on issues affecting communities across the province.

Municipal funding and infrastructure investment were key themes, as cities face growing budget pressures and aging infrastructure. Delegates emphasized the need for predictable, sustainable funding that recognizes municipalities' responsibilities for essential services and infrastructure.

AMM President Kathy Valentino stressed the importance of collaboration:

"Municipalities deliver many of the services and maintain much of the infrastructure that Manitobans rely on every day. As pressures continue to grow, it is critical that municipalities have the resources and tools needed to meet these ever-increasing demands. Stronger partnerships and predictable, sustainable funding are essential to building communities that can continue to grow and prosper."

The Cities Caucus advanced priorities including municipal downloading, provincial highway improvements, restoring 50/50 provincial transit funding and continued investment in the Port of Churchill.

Cities Caucus Chair Mayor Sharilyn Knox of Portage la Prairie noted municipalities need strong partnerships with other orders of government:

"Our communities are facing significant infrastructure needs while also shouldering increasing pressures on municipal budgets. Whether it is roads and highways, public transit, or major transportation infrastructure, municipalities need strong partnerships with the provincial and federal governments to ensure Manitoba has the infrastructure needed to support our communities and economy."

The meeting included an AMM advocacy update, presentations from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure on Bill 43 and regulations governing personal electric vehicles, and an update from Manitoba Justice on the Manitoba Safety Officer Program. Delegates also discussed challenges related to current needle distribution practices and the provincial supports required to address them.

The AMM thanks the City of Winkler for hosting the meeting and facilitating a tour of the Meridian Exhibition Centre and Centennial Arena.

AMM Cities Caucus Members:

• City of Brandon
• City of Dauphin
• City of Flin Flon
• City of Morden
• City of Portage la Prairie
• City of Selkirk
• City of Steinbach
• City of Thompson
• City of Winkler
• City of Winnipeg