A new federal study released today shows that Canada faces a substantial and widening infrastructure funding gap, raising concerns about the long term sustainability of transportation networks, water systems, and public facilities.

March 4, 2024- The report, commissioned by Infrastructure Canada, found that many municipalities are struggling to maintain existing assets while also meeting demands created by rapid population growth.

The study revealed that aging infrastructure in several regions requires significant upgrades to remain safe and operational. Municipal governments reported difficulty securing the funds necessary to repair wastewater systems, upgrade public transit fleets, and reinforce roads and bridges affected by extreme weather events. Smaller communities noted that limited budgets and rising costs have forced them to delay essential projects.

Population growth has added additional pressure. Cities experiencing high levels of immigration and interprovincial migration said their transit systems, recreation centres, and public services are struggling to keep up with increased demand. Officials expressed concern that without long term funding commitments, infrastructure deficits will continue to expand.

The study also highlighted the impact of climate change on infrastructure reliability. Flooding, wildfires, and severe storms have placed new strains on transportation routes, energy systems, and emergency response facilities. Engineers warned that many structures built decades ago were not designed to withstand current environmental conditions.

Municipal leaders are calling for more predictable and stable federal funding models. They argue that short term grant programs are insufficient for planning large scale projects and that communities need multi year agreements to support sustainable investment.

The federal government acknowledged the findings and said it will review funding frameworks to ensure they meet modern infrastructure needs. Officials added that collaboration with provinces and municipalities will be essential in developing solutions.

Today’s report underscores the importance of coordinated planning and renewed investment in public systems that millions of Canadians rely on daily.