There's a $2.2 billion surprise in the federal budget for Canadian municipalities facing a long list of infrastructure needs and Mayor Jim Watson says it will mean a lot to Ottawa. The federal government already gives $2.2 billion to municipalities from its gas tax revenues — Tuesday's budget doubles that amount. "It is very good news for the City of Ottawa, the people of Ottawa, people who take transit." Ottawa mayor Jim Watson says the city is hoping to build more affordable housing with money from the federal budget, cutting down on the time families spend on a housing waitlist. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) had asked for the federal budget to give them the tools to address local priorities.

Source: CBC News March 19, 2019 20:26 UTC