The federal government has made the right move to stimulate the economy through infrastructure projects, the mayor of Ottawa said yesterday.
In responding to the Tories’ federal budget — meant to rebuild the economy — Mayor Larry O’Brien said the investment “will create jobs, grow our economy and leave a lasting legacy on our city.”
While O’Brien said earlier this week that infrastructure is a priority for Ottawa, Nancy Schepers, deputy city manager of infrastructure services and community sustainability, said council has directed staff to assemble a list of shovel-ready projects that could be constructed in 2009 and 2010.
Previously suggested projects included Terry Fox Road, the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge and servicing for Manotick, as well as transit and housing projects, she said.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said he commends the Conservatives for listening to some of the concerns Ontarians have expressed.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners now both at the municipal level and federal level in particular when it comes to getting these infrastructure dollars out the door as quickly as possible, getting shovels in the ground, people employed and doing everything that we can to restore confidence in the future of our economy.”
Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Jim Watson, minister of housing and municipal affairs, said he was pleased with the budget.
“The federal budget has some promising initiatives, particularly money for affordable housing and infrastructure investments,” he said.
