Wasting G8 Cash

How the G8 cash was spent

The $50 million the Conservative government allocated to the G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund went to projects in Hunstville, Ont. that had nothing to do with the summit, according to newly released documents.

The finding comes on the heels of a report by the Canadian Press that describes how the auditor general was to table a report to Parliament on April 5 that says the Harper government misinformed MPs to get approval for the fund. The report goes on to state that such a process may have been illegal, according to the Canadian Press.

A list of approved projects — which came in response to a question on the order paper during the last day Parliament was sitting before the election call — was released by the Liberal Party Wednesday.

The 32 projects that received funding, many of which appear to have no connection to the needs of the G8 summit, were chosen by Industry Minister Tony Clement, the mayor of Hunstville, and the general manager of Deerhurst Resort.

Clements is MP for the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka.

“Recipients were not required to report to Infrastructure Canada which facilities were used by G8 leaders,” reads an addendum to the list in answer to a ministry inquiry by Welland MP Malcolm Allen.

“Funding was allocated to infrastructure projects that would help the region prepare for hosting the G8 Summit, support the effective and secure hosting of the Summit and as well as to provide a lasting legacy for local communities.”

Here is the full list of projects and the allotted funding:

• Muskoka Tourism gateway signs: $408,000

• Muskoka Tourism visitor information centre: $260,000

• Road improvements: $1,800,000

• Jack Garland North Bay Airport improvements: $3,510,745

• Highway 11 upgrades: $350,000

• Bracebridge Sportsplex emergency backup: $40,000

• Gateway signage: $150,000

• Annie Williams Park upgrades: $500,000

• Dowtown Bracebridge revitalization: $800,000

• Downtown Gravenhurst revitalization: $1,200,000

• Hunstville beautification and lighting: $106,100

• Port Sydney Beautification: $250,000

• Reconstruction of Deerhurst Drive: $1,989,088

• University of Waterloo G8 Centre expansion: $9,750,000

• G8 Centre: $17,110,912

• Town of Kearney Main Street beautification: $730,000

• Parry Sound beautification: $178,000

• Parry Sound downtown streetscaping: $1,143,750

• Town of Sundridge pedestrian crossing: $125,000

• Beautification of Sundridge: $750,000

• Burk’s Falls Town Centre improvements: $150,000

• Port Severn Gateway feature signage: $1,000,000

• Port Severn streetscape/linear parks: $1,000,000

• Roofed heritage plaque in Baysville: $38,500

• Baysville Community streetscape improvements: $117,000

• Lake of Bays Band Shell and public WC: $299,850

• Muskoka Lakes tourism signage: $250,000

• Bala Falls Road updgrades: $386,000

• Paignton House Road upgrades: $424,000

• Township of Perry road improvements: $100,000

• Seguin Township beautification/streetscapes: $745,000

• South River Community Beautification: $65,000

Torstar News Service