Calgary jobs promised with city council's approval of $47M in stimulus spending

Calgary city council has approved a plan to boost its capital spending by $47 million in 2016, primarily with a view to creating new jobs in a tough economy.

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City officials estimate the injection of funds couldcreate up to 400 jobs.Theseare projects which are part of the city's four-year budget plan, but weren'tsupposed to start until 2017 or 2018.

MayorNaheedNenshisaid 27 projects will now get startedin 2016 instead, as a typeof stimulus spending.

"We have heard loud and clear from Calgarians that they want their city government to do something in terms of this economic downturn," Nenshi said.

"So we are able to accelerate some projects that are already approved."

The projects tonow startin 2016 includereplacing fencing, paving pathways and parking lots andupgrading a number of city buildings andthe WestHillhurstCommunity Association arena.

The mayor said the measures will do more than just create construction jobs.

Those workers will continue to do things like buy lunches or new work boots, all of whichNenshisays will help spread money through the local economy.

Much of the money for the projects will come from city savings but one thing it won't do is raise next year's property taxes.

"Everything we're talking about today is already funded. It was just funded for2017 or 2018 and we have sufficientcash reserves to be able to accelerate that withoutborrowing any more money in most cases," saidNenshi.

Earlier this fall, city council unanimously approved aproperty tax hike of 3.5 per centfor 2016. That increasewill add about $60 to the annual tax bill for a median-priced Calgary house.

Councillors say they're pleased to advance work on 27 different capital projects and create jobs at the same time.

"I think the important piece in this is looking at how we can get more projects done more quickly. We have a really good economic stimulus tool that we can use andthat's what today's about," said Coun.Brian Pincott.

The additional money was just part of the massive $2.34 billioncapital budget for 2016.City council voted 14-0 to finalize the spending plan.