2009-04-20
07:39:56
Municipal leaders are looking for a new funding formula to help cover the costs of local infrastructure projects.
Currently, federal, provincial and municipal governments each share one-third of the total cost. But Reeve of Machin township Garry Parkes says many smaller communities like his can't afford the local share.
"Shovel ready projects are great for larger communities," says Parkes, "but they are unavailable to the small population with a small tax base. What we need is some kind of change in the formula to deal with our issues in small communities. You give us the money, we'll do the project."
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he is giving communities an opportunity to cover one-half of their share through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
