Conservative Member of Parliament John Weston arrived in Squamish Friday (Feb. 20) to promote his government's $40 billion stimulus package, and warned that local governments have to invest in order to receive.
"I want to make sure Squamish and other communities in my riding are positioned as strategically as possible to respond to current economic challenges," Weston said. "My emphasis is to help cut through red tape and get things going."
Part of the economic stimulus package includes $4 billion for local and regional infrastructure projects. Local governments must put up some funding to be eligible for federal funds.
"We are trying to be fiscally responsible but we do have the option of borrowing funds from the municipal finance authority for infrastructure projects if we choose to take on more debts as a municipality," said Mayor Greg Gardner.
Canada is going into the red as it puts $40 billion towards economic stimulus in its new $258.6 billion budget. Weston said some of that cash could reach the Sea to Sky Corridor.
The money could come in handy, Gardner said, since Squamish could use the funds for projects such as the Mamquam Blind Channel dredging or the completion of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre.
"The new budget gives us an opportunity to look at a wide list of infrastructure projects on our radar such as road improvements. We will have to decide our priorities," he said.
Gardner stated he appreciated the pro-active advice and encouragement from Weston and his team.
"I commend him for visiting all of the municipalities in his riding and appreciate the head's up on what is coming in the budget," Gardner said.
Weston said communities across the country will be looking to access these funds and there will be many failed applications as a result.
"We are going to be competing with Saskatoon, Halifax and every other community to get these funds. We can't waste any time moving ahead," Weston said. "I think it's the administrations and the public servants that need to work together and nimbly respond to these new programs."
Weston also brought a giant novelty cheque of $1.9 million for the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD). Presented a Brennan Park, funds from the gas tax will go towards the Corridor Trail as well as other public transit infrastructure in the SLRD.
News of the $1.9 million was reported early in 2008 and construction on projects such as new pull-outs and bus shelters is expected to continue throughout 2009.
