The city's big plans for infrastructure spending have passed their first hurdle, after the mayor's executive committee passed the 2009 Capital Budget with only a few changes on Tuesday.
The committee met for just over an hour and approved the $1.6 billion budget -- including major cash for fixing roads and bridges - with very little debate or changes.
The budget also includes $40 million to renovate Nathan Phillips Square and $70 million to install a network of bike lanes. There will also be funds to spruce up Union Station, fix roads and build new community centres and transit lines.
Several councillors have suggested holding off on some of the big-ticket projects during these troubled times, but Mayor David Miller disagrees.
"People count on City of Toronto to provide services both in good times and in bad," Miller says. "Our facilities and infrastructure must be maintained in working order and keep up with growth."
The city says projects created through the capital budget will create 35,000 construction jobs.
The capital budget still needs to go before council for a final vote, scheduled for next week.
