Infrastructure funding top of mind for Leslie, Bater ahead of federal vote

Leslie said much of the money is geared towards larger municipalities for infrastructure projects like trains and electric buses, which are not in the realm of reality for communities the size of North Battleford or Battleford.

“We don’t have that need today but we need more infrastructure dollars for water and sewer,” he added.

Leslie, while acknowledging it falls out of the purview of Ottawa, would like to see greater support for recreational facilities as he said helping youth can pay dividends down the road.

“If we can find ways to keep our youth busy maybe we can address the elephant in the room of crime and help reduce crime by providing more solutions and opportunities for youth in the community,” he said.

Mayor Ryan Bater is of the same mindset on infrastructure funding, saying years of downloading responsibilities for infrastructure to municipalities have taken a toll on coffers.

“It’s important for the federal government to realize its role in infrastructure, especially aged infrastructure and the replacement of it,” Bater said, noting the benefit of an agreement between all three levels of government.

Further, Bater expressed interest in working with the federal government to align resources invested in the region.

“I think what we have an interest in is areas like community safety… and anything related to relationships with Indigenous governments,” he said. “They are part of our community and they are our neighbours. Those are the kinds of issues that I will be watching out for.”

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by Tyler Marr and Angela Brown

Infrastructure funding top of mind for Leslie, Bater ahead of federal vote

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