Regional and municipal governments have been given an overview of how infrastructure money from the two senior levels of government will function.
Powell River Regional District Chair Colin Palmer told regional directors at their Thursday, October 23, board meeting that he and Al Radke, the regional district’s chief administrative officer, had travelled to Vancouver to talk about the New Building Canada Fund. John Weston, MP for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, invited mayors and regional district representatives to a meeting to hear about the fund. City of Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa was also in attendance.
“It’s the first time I’ve been down to one of these meetings that the member of parliament has had,” Palmer said. “It was useful because they had some people there who were very knowledgeable about these funds.”
Weston invited Peter Braid, MP, parliamentary secretary for infrastructure and communities, and Colin Metcalfe, director of regional affairs, to provide more information and insights on best practices in submitting proposals.
Palmer said at that meeting the provincial government contribution to the fund was unknown. It has since been learned the total value of this funding from the three levels of government will be up to $327 million over the next 10 years.
“In order to get any of this money, the federal government will pay one third and will heavily rely on the provincial decision,” Palmer said. “We are going to have to come up with one third. Very often, the project had better be of some significant provincial interest. It’s not going to be easy to get your hands on this money. All you can do is try.”
Palmer said the regional district handed over its priorities to Weston although he acknowledges the priorities will also need to be given to the province.
He also left the MP with the regional district’s list of gas tax projects, showing that the money is being allocated. “[Weston] needs to go back to Ottawa and tell them we are not just sitting on the money.”
Palmer said he would report fully at the regional district’s next committee of the whole meeting, where board members could look at details.
Infrastructure funding applications became available October 22.
The New Building Canada Fund supports projects of national, regional and local significance that promote economic growth, job creation and productivity.
