The nearly $1 billion price tag of the upcoming G8 and G20 summits is being spent on everything from security to indoor lakes, with varying public reaction.

But some of that expensive infrastructure will likely be unseen by visitors.

At least $10 million was spent to upgrade the North Bay Airport for the G8 – but the delegates will be flying into Pearson Airport instead, and then taking a helicopter to the Huntsville summit.

It’s part of a total $50 million investment the federal government has made in the Parry Sound riding of Conservative Industry Minister Tony Clement.

The federal Liberals have called the money a “slush fund” and accused the Tories of using the cash to boost Clement’s chances for re-election.

The Conservatives have countered that the high-profile international events will show Canada off to the world – and we need to be ready for our close-up.