Gord Steeves (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Winnipeg mayoral candidate Gord Steeves would look to the private sector to partner up on major construction projects if elected mayor, creating additional revenue to fund infrastructure repair.
Speaking to reporters on a stretch of crater-filled Scurfield Boulevard on Friday, Steeves said utilizing public-private partnerships (P3s) on projects such as the new Winnipeg police headquarters on Graham Avenue, while divesting the adjacent office tower and Millennium Library parkade, would generate approximately $50 million for the city.
The police headquarters would be leased back by the city on a 30-year term, with options for an extension.
“As we know, to achieve this goal, hard decisions must be made,” Steeves said. “We need to figure out creative and responsible ways to deal with the infrastructure problem without continuing to go to the taxpayer to pay more.”
Steeves also said he would ensure all documents related to the divestment of the office tower and parkade would be made available to the public.
Voters go to the polls on October 22.
