Despite expressing dismay that it was not consulted earlier, city council has approved $18 million worth of additional infrastructure stimulus projects.
The extra projects were made possible after the initial list of over $400 million worth of projects came $30 million under budget.
The new projects were intended to use the rest of the money, which comes from the federal, provincial and municipal levels. However, councillors are upset that they had no say about which new projects are taken up.
Several items seemed more like “nice-to-have projects” but not a priority, said Cumberland Ward Coun. Rob Jellett, pointing out maintenance sheds for OC Transpo and $75,000 to do landscaping around the Greely Library.
Wayne Newell, the city’s director of infrastructure services, said the projects were chosen based on what could be completed before the March 31 deadline for federal and provincial funding.
Councillors will have a chance to add projects for the remaining $12 million at the next council meeting. Council voted to ask for a six-month extension for the additional projects.
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tim wieclawski/metro ottawa
“I’m not satisfied with how the list was drawn up. I don’t like the fact that we’re only spending $18 million of the $30 million. We’re saying no to $12 million, that’s crazy.” Cumberland ward coun. Rob Jellett
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