The provincial government intends to review the possibility of transferring some services it currently delivers to municipalities.

The move was announced in this week's Manitoba throne speech and is intended to streamline service delivery by eliminating any existing duplication of services on such things as road maintenance and renewal, snow clearing, water control, and drainage.

Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton said the province sees an opportunity to alter shared services to become more efficient.

Wharton cited an example where a municipal grader will be clearing snow along a municipal road while a provincial grader is doing the same thing in the same area along a provincial road.

"We can look at better ways to save the taxpayer money," said Wharton.

RM of Morris reeve Ralph Groening hopes the province will first consult with municipalities before making any final decisions.

"Municipal Affairs Minister Wharton did comment about mowing of roadsides and issues like that, so we are somewhat cautious about taking on more responsibility and we'd expect some consideration related to the financial impact of such a move," said Groening.

Wharton wouldn't comment specifically on whether municipalities would receive extra funding if asked to take on additional services but instead suggested discussions with municipal leaders would need to take place.

Premier Brian Pallister admitted the services review might lead to municipalities taking on more responsibilities, but it could also result in the province taking on services that are currently municipal.

"I do recall a couple of years ago a proposal was made that would have transferred all the responsibilities of gravel roads to municipalities," said Groening. "So I don't know whether this is phase two of that proposal from a few years back. We will just have to wait and see."