Edmonton not 'ready' for Trudeau's fast-track stimulus spending

The federal government is looking to spur the economy with billions in infrastructure funding, but Edmonton may not be able to take full advantage if the government insists on shovel-ready projects.

"To expect shovels to be in the ground the same year is naive," Mayor Don Iveson said.

Prime Minister JustinTrudeau's Liberal platform promised $124 billion over the next 10 years on infrastructure, with $17.4 billion in the next four years.

Thefederal government has said it plans to focus on projects that can be started quickly, and will have a lasting long-term impact on the economy.

Iveson said there are many projects the city could be ready to start working on by 2017, such as affordable housing and the west LRT line.

He said even sending the signal that construction is a few years down the line would give contractors confidence.

Iveson said the city has a $10-billion infrastructure wish list, but it's impossible to get moving on all those projects at once.

"They want the money moving quickly from a stimulus point of view, but I think they're realistic that municipalities can't turn on a dime," he said.

He addedthe city may be able to put the money toward neighbourhood renewal.

Iveson heads to Ottawa

Iveson said he's happy to hear the government is leaning toward a more flexible funding model that will put less pressure on municipalities.

Typically, each level of government picks up one-third of the total costs for major infrastructure projects, but that's a concern for cash-strapped governments.

"There are real concerns across the country that some provinces may not be in a position to top up, and some municipalities may not be in a position to top up," Ivesonsaid.

"I'm really glad the government is open at looking at other ways to slice it."

Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi did not say when a final decision would be made on how much of the tab Ottawa wouldpick up.

Iveson is headed to Ottawa on Wednesday to address new MPs as part of their orientation. He said infrastructure spending will be one of the things he discusseswith them.