There's no such thing as a free lunch, especially if you're Ontario's minister of economic development, trade and employment.
Dr. Eric Hoskins was the keynote speaker at a luncheon Friday in London and the tab may eventually cost his ministry $40 million.
The city's $120-million plan to create new industrial land relies on sharing that cost with the province and Ottawa.
London city hall wants 200 hectares of shovel-ready industrial land along the 401/402 corridor.
"When we go out we need to go out as a team. We need to make sure we are in their faces and that they know the message we are selling," says Mayor Joe Fontana.
"A lot of [councillors] came to show strength to the minister and say we are interested, let's see the money," says Councillor Bud Polhill.
Hoskins says the request is being considered during pre-budget consultations.
"I think this has the ability to be a game changer. So I know we are looking at it very, very closely," says Hoskins.
The city's pitch to upper levels of government?
Thirty per cent of all jobs in London are on industrial land and the city's supply of new industrial lots is critically low.
"Industrial parks play a significant role in attracting new companies and giving existing local companies room to expand," says Kapil Lakhotia, general manager of the London Economic Development Corporation.
"Plans are in place, in fact applications have been sent so now we just want the money," says Fontana.
But is the city's wishlist for provincial funding growing too long?
Concerns have been raised that the city may also make requests for funding towards a bus rapid transit system and a performing arts centre.
But Hoskins understands industrial land is the city's number one priority.
"I don't subscribe to the view that we as a province should only look at one element or one proposal. We quite frankly look at everything put in front of us," he says.
