The Alberta government says it won’t be re-endorsing the City’s Performing Arts Centre project for funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
The project was endorsed by the NDP government this past March, but in a letter to Lethbridge West MLA Shannon Phillips, Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda writes “at this time, the Lethbridge New Performing Arts Centre has not been re-endorsed for ICIP funding, as the project is still in the early planning stages.”
In order for a project to move ahead under the ICIP, it has to receive provincial endorsement first followed by an application to the federal government for its share of funding.
Phillips says this has been a long time capital priority for the City and is an important part of redeveloping downtown. She says “for the provincial government to essentially slam the door on new federal funds, is concerning.”
Provincial funding freezes have also been placed on the Highway 3 bridge replacement project and Lethbridge’s supportive housing facility.
The letter indicates that “the project will be considered in future program cycles.“