Advertisement

Regina mayor asking for $35M in federal infrastructure funding

Regina mayor asking for $35M in federal infrastructure funding

Regina mayor Michael Fougere says cities now "have the ear of the federal government in a major way."

Fougere joined 20 other mayors who sat down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau late last week. The group discussed many topics, including climate change and Syrian refugee resettlement.

Top of the list was Trudeau's election promise for a major infrastructure program, and how the cities fit into the plan.

Fougere said he's encouraged after the meeting with Trudeau, and says Ottawa has a new relationship with cities.

"They look at us as an order of government, not just a creature of the provinces. They respect the fact that we understand locally what needs to be done."

For starters, Fougere wants $35 million in infrastructure money for Regina.

"That's our ask. Whether we get that or not is another question."

He said that money could refurbish the city's transit maintenance building.

He also noted the Winnipeg Street overpass needs work, as do numerous bridges, roads and sewers.

"A short term injection of capital for infrastructure, as well as a longer term sustainable, predictable level of funding which we should hear about in the federal budget later this year," Fougere said.

Fougere says it would take at least $2 billion to satisfy Regina's infrastructure needs.

That's not going to happen, but Regina's mayor says after meeting with Trudeau, it seems the PM and Ottawa do want to build a new relationship with municipalities.

"It's all very good," he said.