$704 Million Dollars Earmarked for Brampton, Ontario Projects Isn't "Missing." It's, Um, Hiding

Yeah, let's go with that one:

BRAMPTON — Brampton officials are scrambling to account for $704 million that was approved for spending on hundreds of city projects over a seven-year period, but doesn’t appear to have been used for those projects.  

The stunning revelation, which left some councillors dumbfounded, was presented yesterday in a report to council by the city’s chief administrative officer, John Corbett. 

The five-page preliminary report states that a total of $766 million allocated to 670 projects has not resulted in completed projects, and some were never even started. Road widening, sound barriers, bridge refurbishments and even community centres might be on the unfunded capital costs list, said frustrated councillors. The report does not recommend calling in outside auditors or the police, instead relying on staff to undertake a further investigation internally.  

“It’s not missing money,” Corbett said.  

He said $62 million has been identified and accounted for. But when asked where exactly the other $704 million is, which was approved in the city’s budget for the 670 unfinished projects over about seven years, Corbett said, “We’re still doing the analysis. We’ll peel the onion back.”

You do that, John. But remember this: peeling an onion will likely make you--and all Bramptonians (Bramptoners?)--cry.