Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen says support remains strong for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. Goertzen, who is President of the organization, says there is a good turnout of municipal mayors, reeves and councillors from across the province at their annual conference this week in Brandon.

"We have well over 850 this year which is slightly down from last year but is still a really good turnout. There is a lot of excitement about we're doing as an association. It's our members' chance to get together and talk about what's working in their municipalities and for us, as an organization, to talk about what we want to see when it comes to partnerships with other levels of government."

He notes it's a big year for AMM as it is working with a new federal government and there is a provincial election looming in the spring.

Goertzen is also pleased the Minister of Municipal Government, Drew Caldwell, came to the convention to announce a $1 million fund to help cover the costs of those municipalities that were forced by the province to merge last year.

"They're acknowledging that the amalgamation process was difficult and did incur municipal costs. Although this won't cover nearly all the costs that are there, it is a recognition that they want to assist those municipalities somewhat."

Meanwhile, Goertzen has stepped down as chair of the Cities Caucus, a subcommittee of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. He did so after being appointed last July as President of AMM. Goertzen's term as president continues until next November. The new chair of the Cities Caucus is Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest.