Cimino calls on Wynne to commit to $26.7M for Maley Drive

In the planning stages since 1980, the extension would also give commuters an alternative route getting across town, taking thousands of vehicles off busy routes such as The Kingsway and Lasalle Boulevard.

While the $26.7 million isn't the full one-third share, when combined with matching funds from the city and federal governments, city staff have said it would be enough to complete the ring, with road widening and other improvements to come in later stages.

Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk has made lobbying the federal government for its share her main priority in her last months in office, but there have been no signs the Progressive Conservative government is willing to commit the funds as it heads into an election next fall.

On Monday, Cimino called on the province to provide the $26.7 million regardless of what the federal government does.

“In my riding, Lasalle Boulevard is a commercial, main street used by residents,” the NDP MPP said. “But it's also the only route available for the heavy slurry trucks travelling between the source and the smelter in Falconbridge. The extension of Maley Drive would provide these massive, massive trucks an alternative route.

“Will your government commit to funding the Maley Drive extension unconditional of federal government funding and come through for the people of Greater Sudbury?”

In response, Brad Duguid, minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, attacked the federal government for not spending more on such projects across the country.

He said the province is committed to spending $130 billion over the next 10 years on infrastructure projects, compared to $70 billion for the federal government.

“That's a far cry from where their investment should be,” Duguid said. “We'll be calling on the federal government to pay their share when it comes to projects like this.”

Cimino questioned the Liberal's sincerity, since it's conditional on another level of government also providing cash.

“No money has actually been set aside,” he said. “The funds your government speaks of are conditional on matching federal funding. If the federal government doesn't pay its share, the province will pay nothing, either.”

Yes, Duguid responded, again attacking the federal government's infrastructure budget.

“The federal government has to do its share,” he said. “We're going to continue to work with the City of Sudbury and other municipalities to ensure their needs are met.”