The province drops by with cheque book in hand

The province came bearing gifts to North Bay and the surrounding area today.

Northern cabinet minister and Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault announced 5.4 Million Dollars over the next 3 years for community infrastructure funding for North Bay and funds for 14 surrounding municipalities.

Thibeault says the money must be spent on infrastructure but there are no other conditions.

He says the North Bay allotment is a big increase from the current amount of 600 Thousand Dollars.

He says the funding will rise to 1.1 Million next year, 1.5 Million the following year and then 2.5 Million the year after that.

He says North Bay can spend amounts of this money every year, bank it for the future or a combination of both.

Mayor Al McDonald says options includes the extension of 4 Mile Lake Road or Lakeshore Drive work from Judge to Gertrude.

Some of the area communities getting funds include Bonfield, East Ferris, Callander, Mattawa, Powassan, West Nipissing and South River. Sundridge, Armour Township, Nipisisng Township, Papineau-Cameron, Mattawan, Chisholm and Calvin.