Federal Cabinet Minister Peter MacKay promised Halifax and the rest of the province “not just shovel-ready projects, but wrench-ready projects” yesterday.
However, despite hinting Nova Scotia will soon see federal infrastructure funds for projects ranging from the aerospace industry to the military, MacKay reiterated Ottawa doesn’t intend to change its mind when it comes to not funding the planned four-pad arena for Hammonds Plains.
“We’ve supported many, many recreation facilities around the province, including here in Halifax,” the Central Nova MP told reporters after a press conference in Upper Tantallon, where he announced more than $3.1-million in federal cash for the first phase of the municipality’s MetroX express transit project, which totals $5.8 million.
MacKay said more infrastructure announcements will be made in Nova Scotia in the near future, explaining criteria for projects picked for federal support “are the same across the country.”
“We’re accelerating and expanding our government’s existing federal infrastructure investment of $33 billion, with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus over the next two years,” he said.
Despite not getting federal money, Halifax Regional Council is still moving forward with the $40-million four-pad arena, scheduled for completion in September 2010.
