Several HRM construction projects were given a little breathing room Thursday.
The deadline for the federal government’s economic stimulus plan was pushed back by a construction season. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking in Mississauga, Ont., said the move will allow for the completion of a small number of projects.
The new deadline is Oct. 31, 2011 — instead of the end of March.
Mayor Peter Kelly said there are four projects still underway in HRM. What will be appreciated most is the $10-11 million Ragged Lake tunnel project, which was running tight under deadline.
There also two fire stations being built, and city hall is currently getting a facelift, but those were not expected to have any deadline issues.
HRM was allotted $35 million under the stimulus plan and Kelly said the municipality is using all of it.
“All the projects will be complete, although this gives us some breathing room just in case,” Kelly said.
Harper said the plan, announced in February 2009, created 420,000 new jobs. However, a survey commissioned by the parliamentary budget officer suggests it’s been a flop when it comes to job creation.
– with files from The Canadian Press
