Sudbury

Not much in federal budget about municipalities: Sudbury mayor

The mayor of Greater Sudbury says he doesn’t see a lot of specific details in Tuesday’s federal budget regarding municipalities, but Brian Bigger adds he’s hopeful money will come from the federal government for infrastructure projects such as the Maley Drive extension.
Brian Bigger is the mayor of Greater Sudbury. (Yvon Theriault/Radio-Canada )

The mayor of Greater Sudbury says he doesn't see a lot of specific details in Tuesday's federal budget regarding municipalities, but Brian Bigger adds he's hopeful money will come from the federal government for infrastructure projects such as the Maley Drive extension.

The expansion of the road has been on the books since the 1980s. The province has already committed its portion to fund the project, but so far, the federal government hasn't.

Bigger said the federal government hasn't told him when a decision on funding will be made.

"It is being reviewed by the federal government," he said.

"I'll continue to advocate for it and meet with the federal government as necessary."

Mayors from across the region and country have been asking the federal government for more money for infrastructure, and Bigger said the top priority in this city is the water and wastewater system, followed by roads.

Bigger said he did see elements in the budget that will help boost the economy, including incentives for small businesses such as a tax rate cut.

"These things are all helpful to business and anything that's helpful to business will encourage growth in our economy," he said.