The City of Montreal is dedicating part of its $6.39-billion capital-works budget for 2017 to 2019 to aid to facilities, projects or programs in various boroughs.
The budget increased by 22 per cent over last year. While most of the funds will go towards city pipes and roads, cultural facilities, supra-local sports facilities and libraries will also benefit from much-needed repairs, expansions or upgrades.
About $5 billion will help maintain and repair existing infrastructure, while $1.3 billion is going to new developments. Buildings are set to get $1.2 billion, while parks, green spaces and playing fields will receive $721 million. On the list for upgrades is: Botanical Garden, $28.9 million; Biodôme, $18 million; and Insectarium, $10.7 million.
Expenditures include:
- Program to build, renovate or expand libraries: $47.5 million
- Develop libraries for the RFID technology: $33.2 million
- Acquisition and enhancement of cultural facilities: $17.7 million
- Upgrading program: aquatic facilities: $14.5 million
- Program to upgrade supra-local sports facilities: $11 million
- Program to support boroughs for exterior skating surfaces: $7.3 million
- Program for outdoor playing fields: $9 million
- Senior-friendly municipality (MADA): $7.4 million
- Project to develop sports facilities: $6.4 million
“The investments dedicated to the boroughs in this Three-Year Capital Works Program reflect our support to the boroughs and our commitment in favour of local services to Montrealers,” said Mayor Denis Coderre. “In other words, the amounts dedicated to the boroughs’ Three-Year Capital Works Program reflect our belief that they have a leading role to play with their communities, a role that is based on proximity and broad knowledge of their needs.”
