The Portage la Prairie Fire Department kicked off the process to get a new firetruck at Monday's city council meeting.

A resolution was pushed forward to apply for funding to get the project underway.

Fire Chief Phil Carpenter talks about the vehicle the department is keen on replacing.

"It's a 1991 Frontline pumper, so it's 29, coming up 30 years old. It's served us very well, it's worked well over the years, but it's getting tired and wore out. So, we need to get it replaced."

The Province of Manitoba is offering a fire protection grant to municipalities to assist with costs associated with fire protection in the community.

Carpenter says city council passed the resolution.

"The resolution from council allows us to apply for this grant, but it has to be in by November the 6th. So, when applying for the grant, we don't know how much we'll get for the truck. Again, funding depends on how many departments apply and how much money is applied for."

The current estimate for the Fire Department's needs is around $700,000. The City of Portage has budgeted for the purchase of a new truck but are seeking any financial resources they can get their hands on.

Carpenter outlines the gap in technology between the trucks.

"The way they operate is so much smoother, and you can well imagine how that improves the setup of the truck. Knowing how you want to use the truck, they have capabilities, they have custom cabs where you can now better suit your firefighter for the health and safety components of it."