Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps is happy with aspects of the federal budget. The city is giving thumbs up to housing commitments, social infrastructure announcements, saying the focus on tech and innovation align closely with work underway at the City and in the region.
Mayor Lisa Helps says the commitments could provide opportunities to build on the $60 million Regional Housing First Program underway here. She adds housing investments should also help to keep our economy strong, and notes the number one issue they are hearing from employers is a lack of affordable housing.
While there was no specific announcement about the Belleville Terminal, the City is aware the Province is working with the federal government on the issue of improving the facility.
The City plans to follow up with Ottawa in the coming weeks on its infrastructure agenda.
Among other announcements deemed potentially relevant for Victoria include: Creation of the Impact Canada Fund including the Smart Cities Stream, to be supported by $300 million over 11 years; $21.9 billion over 11 years to support social infrastructure; $11.2 billion over 11 years to build and renew affordable housing stock as part of a new National Housing Strategy -- including $5 billion for a dedicated National Housing fund; and $125 million to launch a pan-Canadian artificial intelligence strategy for research and talent attraction.