MHA says Corner Brook will lose $400K a year with changes to the Capital Works Program

Jim Parsons says the multi-years Capital Works Program has traditionally provided funding for 22 of the larger communities but that’s now been whittled down to 7, which Corner Brook is part of. But, he says the program has changed from a three year to a four year funding cycle, and no one knew this was coming since there were no consultations.

Corner Brook MHA Jim Parsons is concerned about changes to the way government hands out funding for things like road work and water and sewer. Furthermore, he says the city stands to lose about $400K a year to help pay for these necessary projects. Parsons says the multi-years Capital Works Program has traditionally provided funding for 22 of the larger communities but that’s now been whittled down to 7, which Corner Brook is part of. But, he says the program has changed from a three year to a four year funding cycle, and no one knew this was coming since there were no consultations. Letters were sent out to municipalities about it last Friday. 

Parsons is doubtful saying once an amount is budgeted it rarely changes but the former Mayor of Corner Brook, says municipalities depend on this funding for their own budgets and this means less work will get done. 

Meanwhile, in a news release, Municipalities NL stated the changes announced by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure do not reflect the priorities or recommendations consistently brought forward by municipalities.