Sudbury to consider borrowing money to fund infrastructure projects

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger has put forward the idea of debt financing as a potentially effective way to fund infrastructure projects.

The mayor's proposal comes after a petition with nearly 3,000 signatures was brought forward to city councillors calling for the widening of Municipal Road 35 between Azilda and Chelmsford. 

The city doesn't have the cash on hand to pay for the construction without slashing other services, which is why Bigger said borrowing money needs to be seriously considered.

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"We can find ways of financing some significant projects," the mayor said, adding he would support a meeting on the topic.

City staff estimates it would cost roughly $29 million to widen the two-lane road to four lanes between the two communities. Bigger said it's something that can get done in Sudbury without immediately raising taxes.

"This does not necessarily mean a significant increase in our municipal tax levy for this year," the mayor said.

Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier said he agrees with borrowing funds to get the fixes residents both want and need. 

"I think it's incumbent upon us to try to find a way to put a dent into that infrastructure deficit that's out there, and resource our staff appropriately so that we're done with the Band-Aid fixes," the councillor said.

A date for the meeting to discuss the city's borrowing options has not yet been set.