Building a Better Vaughan, Now

The federal government has opened the door to new possibilities with its big spending budget. Ottawa has set out a plan that includes nearly $70 billion in new money for tax relief, skills development and transition support and infrastructure.

The infrastructure envelope is approximately $12 billion over two years including:

- $4 billion for a new Infrastructure Stimulus Fund;
- $1 billion over five years for a green infrastructure fund; and,
- $500 million over 2 years for community recreation facilities.

Ottawa has made it clear that it is looking for “shovel ready” projects to help stimulate the economy right away. Here in Vaughan, we are more than ready to do our part. We have identified $82.3 million in capital projects, everything from road construction and road resurfacing to replacement of water mains throughout the city. Nearly $63 million in projects have been recommended for approval as part of our 2009 budget deliberations.

Funding from the federal government will allow us to complete our 2009 projects and move forward on those planned for 2010 and 2011.

This is an opportunity to build a better Vaughan and we must seize this opportunity now. In this budget, Ottawa’s stimulus package has a two year expiration date. Now that may be adjusted as time goes on and economic conditions change. But we must use this infrastructure money while it is available. That will be my focus for the foreseeable future.