Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger pushes back against critics of the Maley Drive extension

Morning North5:15Sudbury mayor speaks out against critics of Maley Dr extention project

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is coming out swinging against critics of the Maley Drive extension. He held a press conference to explain why the city should go ahead with the project. This is some of what he had to say...

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is brushing off critics of the proposed Maley Drive extension — a project that would lengthen the existing Maley Drive to Highway 69 North, also known as Municipal Road 80.

City staff say it would increase the life of Lasalle Boulevard by eight to 10 years.

Bigger held a news conference Thursday to strike back at criticism, particularly that the project would put the city in debt.

"This project is critical to the economy of Greater Sudbury," he said.

"Why? Because it's going to create 780 jobs. It's going to save us about $11.1 million annually in time savings as citizens and it's forward thinking."

Bigger didn't agree with a suggestion that he could be putting pressure on councillors to vote in his favour.

"I think you've seen that councillors do vote independently and they all assess the facts and read all the materials," he said.

"We've been sharing those materials through the entire year."

Bigger said the provincial and federal governments would have to put more than $50 million towards the road — but if the project is cancelled, Bigger said Sudbury will lose that money. The city already has more than $10 million set aside for the project. The provincial government has committed to giving more than $27 million. 

Bigger will call a motion at Tuesday's meeting of council asking for council's support for the extension.

During yesterday's press conference, the following "Maley Drive extension fact sheet" was distributed:

The Maley Drive Extension Project - Phase One

The City must both meet current demand and plan for future needs, allowing for growth.

The Federal and Provincial governments have recognized the importance of the Maley Drive Extension Project. It is critical to the economy of Greater Sudbury, and will position it for growth.

• This investment of $55.2 million signals confidence by two senior levels of government.
• It will create 780 jobs and save us $11.1 million annually in terms of time savings for our citizens.
• It will extend the useful life of Lasalle Blvd by 8-10 years. Reducing traffic by 10,000 vehicles.
• 1000-1,500 trucks per day will allow the city to reduce the frequency of having to spend millions to resurface this road, and others. Previously, it was resurfaced at a cost of $14 million.

The City of Greater Sudbury cannot use the $55.2 million of provincial or federal money on existing infrastructure. It can only be used on the Maley Drive Project. Greater Sudbury will lose this investment if it is not used for this specific project.

• The City of Greater Sudbury currently spends $80 million/year dedicated to maintaining existing [infrastructure].
• We already have a plan in place to fund the project, with $10.5 million in the bank. We have also forecast $2.3 million per year for the next five years.
• A contingency has been factored into the project budget, ensuring that the amount of money allowed for the project is accurate and we will stay on budget.
• Maintenance is affordable: the next cost is about $180,000.
• This project will not raise taxes or put us into debt.

We are able to commit to other capital projects, and still proceed with the Maley Drive Project.

• The City also has numerous other projects that are shovel-ready, such as Lorne Street.

We can commit to Maley Drive and continue to invest in other vital arteries across Greater Sudbury.

The City can also invest in its underground infrastructure.

• Council is in the process of reviewing a plan to invest in other infrastructure projects, such as water and wastewater pipes.

Source: City of Greater Sudbury