The municipalities of Piney, Stuartburn and Reynolds are sounding the alarm over concerns the provincial government may not extend funding for maintenance of main market roads. Piney Reeve Wayne Anderson says they have been getting funding for these roads since the late 1990's when the province was offloading the responsibility for many Provincial Roads to municipalities that were previously Local Government Districts.

Wayne Anderson"This funding is to offset that cost so the (local property) taxes wouldn't go up. In 2013, we signed a five year agreement from 2013-2018 to continue this funding. But there's no guarantee that it's going to continue after 2018 so that's what we're trying to get the province to commit to because it would be very onerous on our taxpayers to suddenly put this money onto our taxes."

In the case of Piney, Anderson says they currently receive $310,000 a year from the province for this road maintenance. He adds, if that funding is discontinued, local taxes would have to increase by 40% to make up the difference. Anderson says it's a similar situation in Stuartburn and Reynolds. He notes it's of great concern that the province is not getting back to them on this matter.

"So far we haven't got any response. We're not waiting until the axe drops in 2018 to start working on letting people know what's happening. We're doing it now to make sure there's some funding in place."

He adds the timing also coincides with the upcoming Manitoba election to make sure all candidates are aware of the situation and the need to get it resolved.