| Aug 2007 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA
With 100 new Albertans coming to Calgary each day over the past several years, there is a great demand in the city for new and improved roads, schools, hospitals and community facilities. These days, a new Calgarian will quickly come to appreciate the joke that Calgary has two seasons: winter and construction. Although the Government of Alberta cannot do anything about winter, it provides funding for much of the construction taking place in this city. Over the next three years, Calgary will receive $2.7 billion in support for infrastructure projects. While this funding will support projects that alleviate the growth pressures felt by all Calgarians, I’d like to tell you about some specific projects in Calgary-Bow that are financed by the Alberta government. Many people have watched as the new interchange at Stoney Trail and the TransCanada Highway has been constructed. This project is nearing completion and will improve access and safety while reducing travel time. The construction of this interchange is part of the $350 million the Alberta government is spending on the Stoney Trail northwest ring road. Not far from this interchange is Canada Olympic Park. The Government of Alberta’s Budget 2007 provides $69 million in funding for the Calgary Olympic Development Association's $276 million capital renewal project. This project includes the $190 million Athletic and Ice Complex that will house two Olympic-sized and two NHL-sized ice rinks and will provide facilities for Hockey Canada Operations and Calgary’s National Sport Academy. Facilities that are used by all Calgarians have also received provincial funding for construction or upgrades in recent years. Post-secondary students are benefiting from nearly $500 million in support for new buildings and upgrades: $393 million to the University of Calgary, $96 million to Bow Valley College and over $3 million to SAIT. Almost $2.5 billion is being spent on new health buildings, including over $400 million at the Foothills Medical Centre. McMahon Stadium and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede will also share in grants totalling $80 million this year. However, the Alberta government’s support for Calgary goes far beyond billions of dollars in spending on infrastructure. This year’s provincial budget devotes nearly $5.5 billion to services for Calgarians, including $1.3 billion for K-12 schooling, almost $700 million for research and post-secondary institutions and $2.2 billion for health services. Premier Stelmach has recognized that the City of Calgary has funding
needs of its own. This year, Calgary’s municipal government
will receive more than $514 million in provincial funding, including
$95 million from the gas tax and $293 million for municipal infrastructure
projects. These are big numbers, representing big projects in a
big city. There is no question that they will have a big impact
upon building the new Alberta and improving the quality of life
of residents in a growing Calgary. Public Consultations Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625
and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.
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