Prince George is anticipating to receive a lot more money than usual from the federal government.
That’s because the federal budget included a one-time-top up that doubled the gas tax transfer to cities for infrastructure projects.
Coun. Garth Frizzell, who is also serving as Second Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, says this year’s federal budget delivered major results for Prince George.
“Problems with our infrastructure in Prince George has delivered multiple blows and escalating costs the last decade, and that is a common problem across Canada,” says Frizzell in a news release.
“Through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), we joined with municipalities across Canada who are experiencing these same serious challenges; we explained those challenges to our federal partners, and this budget shows that our message got through.”
The federal budget includes an increase in Gas Tax Fund, which the city had originally budgeted to receive $3,235,364.
“It directly means our city will receive $3.2 million in additional infrastructure funding at a time when we need it, but the budget also marks a turning point. It sets Canada on a path to a more modernized federal-municipal relationship—one that empowers Prince George and communities everywhere to get even more done for our citizens.”
Frizzell says Budget 2019 implements FCM’s urgent recommendations to close Canada’s rural internet gap and the increase to the Gas Tax Fund means local governments can deliver thousands of infrastructure projects for better roads, bridges, transit, recreation centres, and more.
His release also noted the investments in energy efficient housing through FCM will make life more affordable for Canadians across the country.
“Today’s budget elevates this federal-municipal partnership as the way to build better lives for Canadians,” said Federation of Canadian Municipalities President Vicki-May Hamm in the release.” It puts community-building tools directly in local hands by growing next year’s federal transfer to municipalities.”
Frizzell notes the city is waiting on details from the federal government, as it’s only been a week since the budget announcement.
