Sarnia City Councillor Mike Stark September 5, 2019 Photo by Melanie IrwinSarnia City Councillor Mike Stark September 5, 2019 Photo by Melanie Irwin
Sarnia

City councillor concerned about funding future capital projects

A Sarnia city councillor is concerned about how future capital projects will be funded.

During a special meeting on corporate priorities and strategic planning Monday, Mike Stark questioned treasurer Holly Reynolds about it.

"If we embark upon, as this council has, endorsing major projects like the waterfront master plan, am I correct in assuming that we have $16.5 million in discretionary reserves," Stark asked. "If that is the case, where would we come up with $55 million dollars, plus $35 million for a multi-use facility, plus $11 million dollars for airport modification capital expenses? Which adds up to $100 million dollars."

Reynolds said the city has discretionary reserves, but most are dedicated to operational support or stabilizing the general levy right now.

"The harbour has some reserves, so it could be earmarked for capital but very specific," said Reynolds. "So, we would have to be funding that capital as we go along."

Reynolds said other funding avenues would be sourced as well.

"We do have the opportunity to look for grant funding. Time will tell whether the provincial and federal governments continue to fund at the current levels post pandemic. The city does look to all grant opportunities all the time."

Mayor Mike Bradley reminded his colleagues that all of the projects, highlighted by councillor Stark, are multi-year projects.

"The waterfront is a 15-year plan over $50 million, with private sector funding and perhaps city funding from a disposal of assets," Bradley said. "So, it's not a one year snapshot of the capital spending of the city."

An implementation proposal for the waterfront plan is expected to be presented later this year during 2023 budget deliberations for consideration.

A scope and associated budget for a multi-use recreation facility will also be considered in the 2023 capital budgeting process.

Sarnia council agreed earlier this month to support the Chris Hadfield Airport for another three years while a working group, airport and city officials try to land a new commercial carrier.

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