SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Mayor Mel Norton sees a silver lining in the news of the city’s unconditional grant being cut.

Saint John will be receiving a little over $300,000 less in 2013 under new funding model announced yesterday from the province.

The Mayor says the city will feel the loss in the short term but the province is headed in the right direction.

“If government goes forward with completely changing from the unconditional grant structure to providing us with tax room, that would be the best possible situation.”

Of the 105 municipalities in New Brunswick, 59 will receive more funding from the province while 46 will receive less.