Ottawa River sewage money keeps city on edge of its seat

Ottawas mayor still counts on $65 million from the federal government to prevent sewage from flowing into the Ottawa River, which was not explicitly part of Tuesday's federal budget.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says hes confident the federal government will come through with the money for the second phase of the action plan to clean up the river, which runs between Ontario and Quebec in the Ottawa area and the valley.

In Tuesday's budget announcement, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty outlined some specific transportation infrastructure projects, including more money for the Windsor-Detroit International crossing and to rehabilitate Montreal's bridges, plus support for Atlantic ferries and to improve regional ports.

The budget also includes plans to provide Parks Canada $391.5 million over five years to make improvements to highways, bridges and dams in national parks and historic canals.

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But municipal leaders like Watson had been eager for details of the $14-billion, 10-year Building Canada Fund so they can plan for the upcoming construction season and factor any funding into their own infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel then announced fund details would be revealed on Thursday.

Watson said his staff would wait with baited breath for the federal government to clarify the application process for the $14 billion.

Were disappointed the (Ottawa River) plan was not mentioned in the budget, Watson said, [But] when that application process opens, Ottawa will be first in line with a strong case for funding.

Baird's office says river's a priority

The office for Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, who is the Member of Parliament responsible for the National Capital Region, told Watson the river is a priority.

Baird is also the MP for the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean.

Some environmental advocates in Ottawa are balking at Bairds office, claiming its the same old song and dance.

Graham Saul, executive director for Ecology Ottawa, told CBC News the government has been claiming the river is priority for a few years now, but has not put the money on the table.

At the end of it all, Watsons goal is to tap into the federal governments infrastructure fund so the Ottawa River is cleaned up in time for Canadas 150th birthday celebration in 2017.

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