Shop local, buy local. That's an idea you've probably heard before, and one the City of Portage la Prairie could apply to its tender process in the future.

City council passed a motion at its meeting Monday to ask administration to investigate and bring forward information about adding a local buying component to the scoring system when it comes to evaluating tender bids. Council awards tenders based on different scoring criteria and 'buying local' isn't a current variable in the process.

"It is really an incentive through a tendering award process to give consideration to whether or not a local service provider or contractor is provided with additional points for being local," says Deputy Mayor Brent Budz, who tabled to motion. "(The idea is) part of the scoring percentages that come through for an official (tender) recommendation would include bonus, if it's a local contributor or vendor."

This isn't the first time Budz has championed efforts for 'buy local' policy to be passed by council. According to past reports, three motions tabled by the Finance, Legislative and Property Committee chair attempting to establish an incentive or preference policy for the city to deal with local contractors and businesses were all defeated in council.

"I've been a proponent for it for some time," Budz explains. "I think the city of Portage la Prairie needs to play an integral part in ensuring we invest as many taxpayers dollars back into our community. We already do, there is a lot of money spent by the city. But I just want to ensure when we have the opportunity to buy a service or a product locally, that we make every effort to do so."

"There are times when that's not an option, and I completely understand that," continues Budz. "But as a city, we need to make sure that we stand firm in our stance that we buy and shop local as much as possible. And I believe that starts around the council chambers."