The rising costs of RCMP were on the minds of Steinbach residents yesterday at the mayor's open door. 

Mayor Chris Goertzen says in the last year there has been an increase in those costs because of a formula change as Steinbach continues to grow. 

"When we went over 15,000 people we went from 70% to 90% of the cost of RCMP and so that is affecting us this year when it comes to the cost of RCMP. We, of course, are very pleased as council with the RCMP and the work that they do. It is unfortunate that with the growth does come a change with the formula that we have to pay"

Goertzen adds they have a great relationship with the RCMP here in Steinbach and says they are encouraged by how engaged they are in the community. 

"Whether it's with our business community or whether it's with individual groups that are trying to help people that are falling through the cracks. It's really great to see the full engagement RCMP throughout the entire community."   

Another topic that came up was icy sidewalks in the city. Goertzen says city crews try to attend to most of the icy sections but encourages residents if they have a particularly slippery section in their area in Steinbach, to call city hall so crews can take care of it.