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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-11-09, Page 9Huron -Bruce MP Lobb, says the fiscal predictions related to infrastructure for rural communities an "insult" Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor The numbers for the federal spending on infrastructure are out for the country; these findings are listed on reports of the latest eco- nomic update or more identified as the "fiscal projections," and from conversations with Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb, rural communities are getting shafted. Sometimes these numbers are provided in late winter or early spring, this year they came in the fall. Conveyed by the Minister of Finance, Bill Momeau, he detailed that there will be $81 billion in expenditures over a span of 11 years for infrastructure. From 2016-2017 to 2027-2028 roughly $25 billion will go towards public transit, nearly $22 billion a piece for green and social infra- structure, trade and transportation will see about $10 billion and lastly what frustrates Lobb most is the $2 billion for rural and northern communities. "You think about how vast the country is to allocate those amounts. (It's) an insult and if you ask rural Ontario MP's, since the Liberals have got in, there has been no infrastruc- ture at all, a few if any," stated Lobb November 3 who also mentioned this year's infrastructure updates are lower than the previous forecasts. Lobb fears are that this recent economic update is heading in the direction of what he calls an "anti - rural" theme. Another issue that worries the long-time politician is the progress for the economy that's predicted. "The unfortunate thing is economic growth, and this is not my numbers, it's theirs, it's black and white in their fall update;' said Lobb. "Growth is 1.8 per centunti12021, that's aproblem:' "Trump in the U.S. is talking 4 per cent." Lobb concluded with saying he will be "pushing" on PM, Justin Trudeau, Morneau and the infra- structure minister until more money is promised to rural communities. Brad Knight, CAO of Huron East said he's not able to comment until they "see more details in this thing." Wednesday, November 9, 2016 • Huron Expositor 9 Postmedia file photo Huron -Bruce MP Lobb, not impressed with what he calls a "low" 2.5 per cent of spending's that is predicted to be used for rural infrastructure in the next 11 years. Shaun Gregory Here is a rough draft of the map that is posted on the wall in the office of the Expositor. New map for Huron East in the works to promote what the municipality has to offer Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor In a mission to promote all encompassing attractions and assets that Huron East as a rural destination has to offer -the Expositor has joined forces to create a newfangled map. From a partnership with the munic- ipality of Huron East's economic officer, Jan Hawley, this inventiveness will come to fruition at an ideal time - the 2017 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo which will be held in roughly 11 months. Fully coloured in an orthodox folded -up diagram, Hawley grants this to be a blueprint "long over due," to her knowledge the last time Huron East immersed with such plans was at least five years ago. gI►'I OM :IiI111111►'I11'11 `i::i w IFIED'? "You can just pull up a map on your mobile, that is one-dimen- sional, there are more layers to this map, than just something online;" explained Hawley in her office at Huron East's town hall November 4, signifying that there will be graphics to showcase the businesses and such rather than just streets or addresses. "Especially with the IPM coming up next year, we are going to have so many visitors in the area and they are going to need to get around." This map was partially inspired by Hawley's Wayfinding Strategy developed earlier in the year in which three females from Guelph completed a four-month project to earn credits. The primary goal was to attract visitors and produce an overall system of locating unique businesses and fascinating public allures in the area. Hawley is shad- owing a similar motive with the map. These maps will be free of charge, and at the moment, there isn't an exact place where they will be handed out or broadcasted. In a promotional tactic, Hawley said the possibility of putting some in the Expositor's weekly paper would be a "good idea" as well as stationing some in other businesses as well. Forecasting thousands to be made, if the "inventory of maps is depleted," Hawley said they will simply print off more in an abundance. Currently the draft is done, and Hawley expects the maps to be ready by early 2017, rolk, ik-13MIT MU"