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New report finds Canadian public infrastructure “at risk"

New report finds Canadian public infrastructure “at risk

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2019-10-08

Organization Name: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

A new report shows that a significant amount of public infrastructure in Canada is ageing and in poor condition – reinforcing the urgent need for long-term investments in infrastructure renewal to meet the needs of Canadians.

Age, Condition of Key Infrastructure Shows Urgent Need for Long-Term Renewal

“We’re talking about roads, bridges, libraries, arenas, and more – things Canadians rely on every day,” said Bill Karsten, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). “Good, reliable infrastructure supports our quality of life in communities across the country, so Canadians should find these results concerning.”

The 2019 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card – produced by FCM and seven partner organizations – examines the state of Canada’s public infrastructure. Among the key findings:

  • Nearly 40 percent of roads and bridges are in fair, poor, or very poor condition, with roughly 80 percent being more than 20 years old.
  • Between 30 and 35 percent of recreational and cultural facilities are in fair, poor, or very poor condition. In some categories (such as pools, libraries, and community centres), more than 60 percent are at least 20 years old.
  • 30 percent of water infrastructure (such as watermains and sewers) are in fair, poor, or very poor condition.

“This report shows the importance of long-term investments in renewing the infrastructure that’s already in our communities – even as we envision new projects to build,” Karsten said. “For municipal leaders, the best way to do that is through the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer.”

Every year the federal Gas Tax Fund delivers $2 billion directly to 3,600 municipalities for infrastructure renewal. Its challenge is its scale. Every year, it leaves key projects unfunded.

“The Gas Tax Fund transfer works because it empowers local leaders on the ground who know what’s needed, and who have renewal projects ready to go,” Karsten said. “Without action now, the services Canadians rely on today will be at risk in the next decade.”