CPWA’s members are important stakeholders in Canada’s next steps for infrastructure Darwin Durnie, PWLF Principal Stantec Consulting Ltd, Red Deer, Alberta President, Canadian Public Works Association
hen announced in 2007, the Building Canada Plan represented the largest single federal commitment to public infrastructure ever made. It featured a most significant financial ($33 billion) and long-term political commitment (seven years) to federal investment in infrastructure. Not even the most energetic critic of the Government can deny the major impact that this program has made on infrastructure projects throughout the Canadian Provinces.
bridge’s life span has been increased by another 20 years.
One need not look further than their own Province to see the effects of this investment. In my own Province of Alberta, the major infrastructure component of the Building Canada Plan has supported 18 major infrastructure projects. The communities component of the Building Canada Plan supported 61 projects since 2007 and the additional top-up fund on the communities component allowed 26 more projects.
Perhaps it is statements like Andrew’s that have given the Government new impetus to view infrastructure as more than a community health, safety, and transportation issue. Perhaps it was the success of the accelerated Economic Action Plan and Infrastructure Stimulus Program in cushioning Canada from the worst of the economic woes of recession experienced in other countries. Whatever the reason, when announcing the Budget 2012 plans for infrastructure, it was clear that the Government had elevated its view of infrastructure’s role in creating vibrant societies. It is evident that the Government views infrastructure as a major contributor to the economy, job creation, and to assuring that Canada leads in global competitiveness.
The most publicized of these investments in Alberta are projects like the 500,000-square-foot WinSport Canada complex in Calgary. But, perhaps even more significant is the investment in projects that have improved life in our smaller communities—like a new water purification and distribution system for Hinton, AB, a community of 10,000 residents. Or extending the life of a bridge in Hardisty, AB— where engineers now estimate the 14 APWA Reporter
March 2012
Our CPWA Board Member Andrew Stevenson from Saskatchewan summed up the effect on his Province of Saskatchewan noting, “The financial commitment in my province has allowed communities with longstanding issues and deficiencies to address those for the betterment of the residents. That, in turn, has boosted contractors, consulting firms, etc., and the economy.”
A good time for discussing priorities Given this background, it is an especially good time for those of us with a stake in infrastructure to join
with others, discuss the issues, and provide input to the Government as they plan for the next “Long Term Infrastructure Plan” for Canada. CPWA is among other organizations that have joined a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)sponsored Infrastructure Forum (MIF) to discuss those issues and priorities. The MIF brings municipal leaders and association leaders together to discuss. For their part, Infrastructure Canada has made it clear that they will be asking for input from stakeholders. As leaders and practitioners, CPWA members should be ready to provide that input when they knock on our door. Already, the Government has announced plans for this engagement process which will include:
The Engagement Process for Developing a Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (this shaded text taken directly from Infrastructure Canada’s website) Building for Prosperity: Public Infrastructure in Canada The Government of Canada is engaging its key partners— provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and other stakeholders—to develop a long-term infrastructure plan (see announcement). Building on past achievements while strengthening partnerships between all orders of government, the process will roll out in three phases:
