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Infrastructure

Infrastructure

ERRATUM

In the Infrastructure Funding for Indigenous Communities note, a typographical error has been corrected in the Background section, under the subheading INFC Support for Indigenous Homelessness and Housing:

  • "Reaching Home launched in 2019, and the Government of Canada has committed $4.6 billion over 9 years…" should read "Reaching Home launched in 2019, and the Government of Canada has committed $4 billion over 9 years…".

This error was corrected in both the English and French HTML versions of the note.

  1. Future Investments in Infrastructure
  2. Impact of Infrastructure Investments
  3. Support for Transit
  4. Infrastructure programs in Quebec  
  5. Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
  6. Canada Community-Building Fund
  7. Green and Livable Communities
  8. Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
  9. Ottawa Light Rail Transit
  10. Chignecto Isthmus
  11. Rural and Northern Communities
  12. Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
  13. National Infrastructure Assessment
  14. Research and Knowledge Initiative
  15. Closing the Infrastructure Gap in Indigenous Communities
  16. Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey
  17. Road Infrastructure

Future Investments in Infrastructure

Issue / question

What are the government’s plans for future investments in infrastructure?

Suggested response

  • Budget 2024 announced new investments in infrastructure, notably a new $6 billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to help build the supporting infrastructure—water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste— needed for new housing supply and densification over the next 10 years.  
  • Budget 2024 also announced an additional $500 million for the Green and Inclusive Community Building program, for a total investment of $2 billion, to support retrofits and upgrades of community buildings, and the construction of new publicly accessible community facilities across Canada.
  • We are continuing to move forward with our commitment to provide predictable transit funding to the tune of $3 billion per year, linked to actions that directly unlock housing supply where it is needed most.
  • The Canada Community-Building Fund provides over $2 billion each year to support local priorities across 19 project categories from roads, to drinking water, to sport and recreation facilities.

Background

  • Infrastructure Canada is making investments in areas such as public transit, water and wastewater, resilient and low-carbon infrastructure, and green and inclusive community buildings, all of which contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and a healthy environment.
  • Budget 2024 announced the $6 billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the construction or upgrade of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure that will directly enable new housing supply and help improve densification. Funding will start in 2024-25 and flow over 10 years.
    • $1 billion will be available to municipalities to support urgent infrastructure needs that will directly enable housing supply.
    • The remaining $5 billion will be available to provinces and territories, which can only be accessed if they commit to key actions that increase housing: to adopt zoning that allows four units as-of-right and permits more housing options, to freeze development charge increases in certain communities for the next three years, and to adopt measures in the forthcoming federal National Building Code, Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights and Renters’ Bill of Rights, and Housing Design Catalogue.
  • A $500 million top-up to Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Building program was announced in Budget 2024 to support green and accessible retrofits and upgrades of existing public community facilities, as well as the construction of new publicly accessible community facilities across Canada.
  • Budget 2024 also announced that communities will be required to take housing-enabling actions to access the upcoming Permanent Public Transit Fund: to eliminate mandatory minimum parking requirements within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line, to allow high-density housing with 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line and post-secondary institutions, and to complete a Housing Needs Assessment in certain communities.
  • The Department is further working to tie access to infrastructure funding to actions by provinces, territories, and municipalities to increase housing supply through the renewal of the Canada Community-Building Fund.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan is delivering over $33 billion in funding until 2033 to provinces and territories to build and expand public transit infrastructure, support green infrastructure, invest in community, culture and recreation infrastructure, and to support a wide range of infrastructure priorities in small, rural, and remote communities.

Impact of Infrastructure Investments

Issue / question

What are the impacts of Infrastructure Canada's infrastructure investments on the lives of Canadians?

Suggested response

  • Infrastructure investments improve the quality of life of Canadians by creating jobs and economic growth, supporting climate resilience, connecting communities, and building a stronger and more inclusive Canada.
  • As we help build more affordable homes faster, we also have to make sure those homes are accessible, resilient against climate change, and well connected to complete, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
  • We have supported the construction and rehabilitation of 2,500 kilometres of drinking water and wastewater pipes, and invested in thousands of buses and transit vehicles, and hundreds of kilometers of cycling and walking paths.
  •  We have also invested in community resilience by supporting infrastructure like dams, dikes, and vegetation management projects to reduce risks from wildfires.
  • Moving forward, we will leverage infrastructure investments to increase housing supply and affordability for Canadians.

Background

  • The mission of Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is to improve the quality of life of Canadians by creating jobs and economic growth, supporting climate resilience, and building a stronger and more inclusive Canada. 
  • Public transit is an important transportation option for Canadians to get where they want to go, whether that’s to work or school, a healthcare appointment, or a social engagement. INFC’s investments in transit across Canada have expanded service by adding more than 7,200 transit vehicles and more than 20,000 fixed assets, such as transit shelters, stations and stops, passenger parking and drop-off facilities. 
  • A sustainable transportation system is a key component to achieving Canada’s climate change target of net-zero emissions by 2050. In support of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target of 5,000 zero-emission buses by 2026, INFC has already committed funding for more than 3,000 buses. The Canada Infrastructure Bank has also committed financing for over 5,300 buses. 
  • When Canadians choose to walk or bike, they expect convenient access to safe bike lanes, multi-use pathways and sidewalks. INFC investments in active transportation since 2016 have contributed to more than 1,350km of pathways and sidewalks across Canada.
  • At the heart of vibrant communities are the buildings and facilities that house culture, recreation, and sport where all Canadians are welcomed. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has invested in over 1,100 community assets across Canada. 70% of projects funded have incorporated universal design, and 97% met requisite accessibility standards in their jurisdiction, helping to support more accessible community spaces for Canadians. 
  • Since 2016, we have supported around 2,500 kilometres of linear drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater assets and over 6,500 facilities, such as water treatment plants and storage facilities. Nationally, from 2017 to 2021, 1.9 million more Canadians were able to be served by drinking water plants. These investments deliver reliable clean water to Canadians and their growing communities and protect and preserve Canada’s freshwater resources. 
  • Increasingly frequent, severe, and extreme weather events are impacting Canadians, including recent floods, wildfires, hailstorms, and storms. The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund has allocated over $3.78 billion in funding to support communities in building resilience against extreme weather and climate impacts.

Support For Transit

Issue / question

What is the government doing to support transit across the country?

Suggested response

  • Since 2015, the Government has announced more than $30 billion for more than 1,400 public transit projects across the country. In 2021, the Prime Minister announced permanent public transit funding.
  • Municipalities will need to take action to unlock housing supply in order to access this permanent, predictable and flexible public transit funding.
  • The Government of Canada works with all levels of government and partners to support public transit and active transportation networks, create jobs, and make communities cleaner, more accessible, sustainable, and livable for everyone.
  • As new affordable housing is built, it is critical that public transit be available for Canadians to get to work, access services and actively participate in their communities.

Background

  • The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP), launched in 2021, is a transfer payment program which was created to support the expansion of public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada. All funds under the program are managed through Grants and Contributions Agreements signed with eligible recipients.
  • The PPTP includes three direct-application funds:
    • The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): Initially announced at $2.75 billion over five years, ZETF is advancing the Government of Canada’s commitment to help procure zero emission public transit and school buses across Canada. ZETF investments are closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s commitment to invest in zero emission buses as part of its Growth Plan. The program is currently open for applications on an ongoing basis.
    • The Active Transportation Fund (ATF): The five year, $400 million ATF aims to expand and enhance active transportation networks in communities of all types and sizes, while also supporting Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy. It does so by supporting planning for, and the deployment of a wide range of walking, cycling, and other active mobility infrastructure. The intakes are closed and most of the funding has been allocated.
    • The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF): initially announced as $250 million over five years, RTSF addresses unique challenges in rural communities by supporting planning and deployment of locally tailored transit solutions in rural communities, including support to assess the viability of new approaches to mobility. Rolling intakes of the Capital stream and the Planning stream were launched in 2023 (in January and December, respectively). The capital intake closed on February 28, 2024, while the Planning intake will remain open.
  • Funding is also available to support major projects and accelerate the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.
  • Public engagement on the Permanent Public Transit Fund has helped to refine our vision for the ongoing funding moving forward and develop a more detailed approach to be released in the coming months.
  • To access long-term, predictable funding for public transit through the federal government’s forthcoming public transit fund, municipalities will be required to take action that will directly unlock housing supply. This include measures to:
    • Eliminate all mandatory minimum parking requirements within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line.
    • Allow high-density housing within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line.
    • Allow high-density housing within 800 metres of post-secondary institution.
    • Complete a Housing Needs Assessment for all communities with a population greater than 30,000.

Infrastructure Programs in Quebec

Issue / question

How is the Government of Canada supporting infrastructure in Quebec?

Suggested response

  • The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec continue to work together to ensure that infrastructure programs benefit Quebec communities. This includes building strong, sustainable, affordable and connected communities.
  • We continue to work with Quebec to advance the Gatineau-Ottawa Tramway planning project and advance Canada’s contribution to Montréal’s Blue line. We will work with the Government of Quebec on the revised public transit project in Québec City, once it is further defined.
  • The Governments of Canada and Quebec have successfully worked together to ensure communities benefit from Infrastructure Canada’s suite of direct delivery programs and remain committed to continuing to do so.

Background

  • In the Province of Quebec, the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30) requires municipalities and public organizations, among others, wishing to receive funding from the Government of Canada to obtain prior consent from the Secrétariat Québécois aux relations canadiennes (SQRC). As a result, Infrastructure Canada (INFC) must conclude an agreement with the SQRC to fully implement its programs in the province.
  • Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), INFC is currently reviewing important requests to help advance major projects:
    • On March 27, 2023, the Government of Quebec submitted a revised request for federal funding in support of the project planning activities for the Gatineau-Ottawa Tramway, which would be a rapid transit link from the west-end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa and would cross on the Portage Bridge. The request is currently under review by INFC, and discussions are underway with Quebec’s ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD).
    • In December 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Quebec Premier, François Legault, agreed that, in the context of high inflation over the past several months, an increased risk of cost escalations and significant changes to the scope of several infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of Quebecers, both governments will increase their funding for specific projects under ICIP:
      • The Québec City Tramway project received a federal contribution of $1.107 billion in 2019 under ICIP. Since then, the project has undergone several major changes and cost increases. On November 8, 2023, the Government of Quebec announced that they were putting the project on hold and mandating the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) to present, within six months, recommendations for the best major public transit project at the best price.
      • The extension of the Montréal Metro Blue Line project is aiming to add five stations between Saint-Michel and Anjou stations, for a total length of 5.8 km. A federal contribution of $1.306 billion under ICIP was allocated to the project in 2019.
    • The department is working closely with MTMD to advance the Montréal Metro Blue Line project and the related request for additional funding presented in March 2023. INFC will also collaborate with the Government of Quebec to obtain the revised details of the eligible public transit project in Québec City.
  • The department is in discussions with Quebec regarding funding for potential public transit infrastructure and school transportation projects under the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), following receipt of applications totalling [Redacted] and [Redacted].
  • The Green, Inclusive and Community Building program was competitive and oversubscribed, with over $14 billion sought by nearly 1,900 applicants. In the last intake, over 900 applications requesting almost $7 billion were reviewed and assessed. The program received [Redacted] from Quebec for a total of over [Redacted]. To date, [Redacted] in Quebec have been approved for a total of [Redacted] in federal investment. Currently eight projects have been announced for a total of over $75 million.

Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program

Issue / question

Infrastructure Canada has successfully allocated all provincial funding to make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, recreational, cultural, and community infrastructure, as well as in rural and northern communities.

Suggested response

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supports public transit, green infrastructure, community, cultural and recreational infrastructure, and rural and northern infrastructure projects. These investments are critical to protect and build complete communities as we work to address the housing crisis across the country.
  • As of March 31, 2023, Infrastructure Canada has successfully allocated all provincial funding for this program. Territories have until March 31, 2025, to fully commit funding to projects.
  • Additionally, major light rail transit, water treatment facilities, Indigenous wellness centres and ventilation improvements to community buildings are underway across Canada.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is an allocation-based program. Provinces and territories, in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements, the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created to help communities respond to the immediate pressures and concerns resulting from the pandemic, as well as build resiliency for the future.
  • A commitment to provide $150 million to improve ventilation in public buildings and help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19 has been put in place. The ICIP's COVID-19 Resilience stream was allocated $120 million from this commitment, with an additional $70 million to further support ventilation projects in public and community buildings.
  • The program’s construction deadline is now October 2033 to support recipients completing all their projects. Provinces have until March 31, 2024, to reallocate decommitted funding to help cover cost pressures on already approved projects. It should be noted that several provinces (BC, AB, QC, NB, NS, SK), have requested additional time to finalize this reallocation exercise.
  • Examples of eligible projects include:
    • Public Transit: New Light Rail Transit systems; electric bus purchases; and removing barriers such as providing wheelchair ramps at transit stations.
    • Green: Renewable energy storage; strategic interties; preservation of natural wetland systems; rehabilitation of climate resilient infrastructure; water main and sewer replacement; and recycling facilities.
    • Community, Culture and Recreation: Community centres; art galleries; community recreation and trail facilities; and community service hubs.
    • Rural and Northern: Greenhouses; community freezers; short sea shipping wharves; and broadband projects.
    • COVID-19 Resilience stream: Upgrades to municipal and community buildings, hospitals, or schools; temporary COVID-19 testing facilities; active transportation pathways; and ventilation improvement in public buildings.

Canada Community-Building Fund

Issue / question

How are the negotiations toward the renewal of the Canada Community-Building Fund going?

Suggested response

  • The Canada Community-Building Fund provides $2.4 billion each year to support local priorities across 19 project categories from roads, to drinking water, to sport and recreation facilities.
  • The highways and roads category is the most popular in the program. From 2015 to 2022, this program has provided communities with close to $4.5 billion in funding to help support over 10,000 road projects.
  • Discussions toward renewal are well underway. Renewed funding agreements for the next 10 years will be effective as of April 2024.
  • Going forward, we encourage communities to use this funding for infrastructure investments that support housing affordability and supply in communities across the country.

Background

Negotiation update:

  • The current 10-year administrative agreements with signatories are set to expire on March 31, 2024. The department is looking to renew the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) program for another 10 years, starting April 1, 2024.
  • Officials from the Government of Canada have provided each signatory with draft administrative agreements and discussions with all signatories are ongoing at this time.
  • Agreements-in-principle with many signatories are expected to begin in spring 2024.
  • Housing is a national challenge and a federal priority. It is being addressed through a suite of federal programs including requiring actions by provinces, territories, and municipalities to increase housing supply and affordability before accessing infrastructure funding, where it makes sense to do so. Provisions to this effect will be included in the renewed CCBF agreements.
  • The renewed CCBF will remain a flexible transfer-based program that will allow municipalities to build core infrastructure, with the addition of reporting and communication protocols that will ensure the federal government remains accountable to its citizens.

Key Facts about the Program:

  • The CCBF was established in 2005 and originally designed to provide municipalities with $5 billion in predictable funding over five years. The program was extended and legislated as a permanent source of federal infrastructure funding for municipalities in 2014.
  • The renewed Fund is indexed at 2% per year, to be applied in $100 million increments. From 2015 to 2024, the program will provide municipalities with over $24 billion in infrastructure funding.
  • Two additional top-up payments were allocated in 2019 and 2021, doubling the funds provided to $4.4 billion in those two years.
  • In 2023, program funding is $2.4 billion, transferred to provinces and territories in two equal payments during the year.
  • Eligible categories of investment are broad and include public transit, local roads and bridges, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, community energy systems, culture, recreation, disaster mitigation, fire halls and capacity building.

Green and Livable Communities

Issue / question

What is the federal government doing to promote green and livable communities in Canada?

Suggested response

  • The Government of Canada is investing in healthy and sustainable communities that benefit Canadians. We are taking action to build infrastructure and affordable housing that creates green and livable communities.
  • The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program helps communities make green retrofits and the Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects such as urban forests and green roofs.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supports communities to reduce pollution, provide clean water, and increase resilience to climate change.
  • Affordable housing is a key priority. We are committed to providing Canadians with access to affordable housing that is well-served by green infrastructure so that communities have places to gather and learn.

Background

  • The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program (GICB) is investing $1.5 billion in funding directly to communities over five years (2021-26). It supports communities in making green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades to existing public community buildings, and constructing new publicly accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved communities, while advancing Canada’s climate goals.
  • The program is community-based, providing direct-to-recipient funding. Eligible recipients include provincial and territorial governments, municipal governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations. GICB is a national funding envelope with no provincial or territorial allocations.
  • As of January 2024, over 120 GICB projects with federal funding of more than $700 million have been approved and announced. The program has been successful in supporting Indigenous communities and organizations - more than $275 million has been announced for projects submitted by Indigenous communities and organizations.
  • The Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) provides funding for natural and hybrid infrastructure projects such as urban forests, green roofs, rain gardens, and living dykes that are primarily for public benefit in communities across Canada, including both built and natural assets.
  • Projects funded through the NIF will create, expand, or enhance communities’ access to nature, furthering resilience to climate change, improving environmental quality, and protecting biodiversity.
  • Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Bilateral Agreements, the Government of Canada is providing funding for public transit, green infrastructure, community, culture and recreational infrastructure, and rural and northern infrastructure projects. Examples of eligible projects to support carbon neutrality and resilience include new Light Rail Transit systems; electric bus purchases; renewable energy storage; strategic interties; preservation of natural wetland systems; rehabilitation of climate resilient infrastructure; and recycling facilities.

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Issue / question

What is the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and how is it providing support to communities?

Suggested response

  • The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is helping communities adapt and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The CHCI is providing over $60 million towards more than 1,000 projects to build safer spaces and ensure a higher quality of life for people across the country.
  • Projects range from $5,000 to $250,000 to support three main priorities: creating safe and vibrant public spaces; improving mobility options; and digital solutions.

Background

  • Launched on August 13, 2020, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) originally provided up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the two following years.
  • Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) was selected by Infrastructure Canada through an open and competitive call for applications to work directly with communities to identify and fund local projects and solutions to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
  • The original $31 million in funding over two years was provided to CFC to identify and fund local community projects that can be put into place quickly to improve the lives of Canadians. As announced in the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update, an additional $30 million over three years was committed to the CHCI starting in 2022‑23. On September 23, 2022, Infrastructure Canada and CFC announced that more than 400 new projects will be supported with the additional funding. Funded projects from the first and second application intake can be viewed on an interactive map. There are no open application intakes. Program completion is December 2024.
  • To date, the CHCI has provided over $60 million towards more than 1,000 projects to build safer spaces and ensure a higher quality of life for people across the country. Eligible projects range from $5,000 and $250,000. The CHCI is supporting projects in communities under three main themes:
    • Creating safe and vibrant public spaces – projects that create or adapt existing public places such as parks, main streets, and indoor spaces that encourage safe cultural or physical activities, and local commerce.
    • Improving mobility options – projects that permit physical distancing through permanent or temporary changes that make it easier for people to get around in their communities, whether walking, biking, accessing public and private transit, or other modes of transportation.
    • Digital solutions – innovative digital projects that address changing community needs using data and connected technologies.

Ottawa Light Rail Transit

Issue / question

To address concerns relating to the Ottawa Light Rail Transit.

Suggested response

  • The Government of Canada is one of the funders of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT).
  • As with any infrastructure project, the proponent – in this case, the City of Ottawa – is responsible for procurement, design, construction, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the project.
  • The Government of Canada has reviewed the findings of the OLRT Public Inquiry and investigations into the causes of Stage 1 service disruptions, which are concerning. We continue to monitor the OLRT and steps taken by the City of Ottawa to address the issues identified.
  • We continue to work closely with the province and the City of Ottawa on Stage 2.

Background

Stage 1

  • In 2010, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $600 million under the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC) for Stage 1 of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) Project. The remaining funding was to be split evenly between the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa (the City). Canada and the City entered into a Contribution Agreement for the project on December 19, 2012, and the Stage 1 line began service in September 2019.
  • Transport Canada (TC) administered the Contribution Agreement for Stage 1 on behalf of Infrastructure Canada (INFC).

Stage 2

  • In June 2017, the Prime Minister announced an investment of approximately $1.1 billion under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects for Stage 2 of the OLRT Project.
  • Stage 2 construction is underway and will add approximately 40 km of rail and 23 new or converted stations, bringing 70% of the city’s population within 5 km of rail. The existing LRT network is being extended both East-West (Confederation Line extension) and North-South (Trillium Line extension).
  • Stage 2 saw the selection of new prime contractors and engineering firms from those chosen for Stage 1.

Operability and Service Issues

  • Several operability and service issues have occurred since revenue service began on September 14, 2019. Three Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigations were launched to examine issues related to two derailments as well as cracked LRT vehicle wheels. The investigations are complete and the City is acting on the TSB recommendations.
  • Third party rail experts have also been involved in validating the maintenance contractor’s procedures to provide recommendations to mitigate service issues.
  • The Province of Ontario launched a public inquiry into Stage 1 of the LRT system and its governance, and the final report was released on November 30, 2022.
  • INFC conducted a fulsome analysis of the final report to assess implications for ongoing oversight of Stage 2 as well as the Action Plan adopted by the City on May 10, 2023, in response to the report.
  • INFC’s oversight was enhanced through the adoption of multiple measures including increasing the frequency of Oversight Committee meetings.
  • OLRT service was suspended for three weeks in summer 2023 as a routine inspection of a bearing, which is part of the axle system, determined that ‘wear and tear’ was beyond the threshold required for safe operations. The worn bearing triggered an examination of all bearings on all cars, as well as additional changes to operation and maintenance procedures that had previously been adjusted following an August 2021 derailment caused by axle failure.
  • The vehicle supplier has since committed to re-designing the Confederation Line vehicles to make them better able to withstand forces applied during operation. The Stage 1 builder is also working with the supplier to identify and implement adjustments to the track infrastructure to reduce the forces contributing to early axle wear. Infrastructure adjustments are focused specifically in areas of track with tight radius turns.

Fiscal Challenges

  • The City provided a technical briefing to the City Council and the media on September 19, 2023, which noted that the transit system must address a persistent deficit caused by higher-than-expected operating costs and lower revenues from reduced ridership.
  • As part of the briefing, the City indicated that Stage 3 could only proceed if fully funded by the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario. Mayor Sutcliffe advised, however, that advancement of Stage 3 would only be considered after Stage 1 operational issues are fully resolved. This position aligns with Premier Ford, who announced on July 20, 2023, that provincial funding for Stage 3 would not be committed until operational issues are fixed.
  • In November 2023, the City received Council approval for an additional $152 million in contingency funding for Stage 2 construction.

Chignecto Isthmus

Issue / question

What is the Federal Government doing to protect the Chignecto Isthmus?

Suggested response

  • The Government of Canada continues to work with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to explore options to bolster the resiliency of the Chignecto Isthmus against more frequent severe weather events.
  • The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports initiatives to protect Canadians and natural resources such as the Chignecto Isthmus from the devastating impacts of climate change.
  • The Government of Canada will continue to support building resilient infrastructure that can withstand the effects of a changing climate. We understand the importance of the Chignecto Isthmus to both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as the only road and rail connection between the two provinces.

Background

  • The Chignecto Isthmus serves as a transportation link, providing the only road and rail connection between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
  • On July 19, 2023, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick submitted a joint Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) application for the project. The proposed project is for sections of existing dykes to be raised and new dykes built. The estimated eligible project cost is $650 million. Under the current DMAF program parameters, the federal contribution for a provincial recipient is limited to a maximum contribution of 50% of eligible project costs, which would be $325 million.
  • On July 19, 2023, Nova Scotia filed a reference question with the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal seeking the Court’s opinion on whether “the infrastructure which protects the interprovincial transportation, trade, and communication links across the Chignecto Isthmus [is] within the exclusive Legislative Authority of the Parliament of Canada”.
  • On September 15, 2023, the Attorney General of Canada filed its motion in the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal to intervene in the Chignecto reference question. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island also filed motions. On September 21, 2023, Canada, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island were granted intervener status by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
  • The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal held a case management meeting on November 8, 2023. Court proceedings are in the gathering stages, and parties have been asked to submit relevant case records by February 2024. The next case management meeting was scheduled for February 14, 2024, however the meeting was postponed to May 2024, as Canada requires further time to review data.

Rural and Northern Communities

Issue / question

How is the federal government supporting rural and northern communities across the country?

Suggested response

  • We know that rural and northern communities face unique circumstances.
  • Dedicated programs like the Rural Transit Solutions Fund can adapt concepts like public transit to a rural environment.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has a dedicated stream to support rural communities. Projects address many community priorities, including food and energy security.
  • The Canada Community-Building Fund also provides funding for housing-enabling investments. This is used in rural areas to build roads, bridges and wastewater treatment.
  • Infrastructure Canada adapts programs to meet the needs of smaller and Indigenous communities, offering more flexible deadlines and increased federal contributions.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is an allocation-based program. Provinces and territories, in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements, the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • Under ICIP, provinces had until March 31, 2023, to commit all funding and the Territories have until March 31, 2025.
  • Under the Canada Community-Building Fund funds are allocated on a per-capita basis using Census data, except for Prince Edward Island and the Territories, who receive a base amount in place of per-capita values due to smaller population sizes. Allocations intended for First Nations on Reserves in the provinces are managed by Indigenous Services Canada through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund.
  • The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is dedicated solely to rural communities and includes a planning component providing grants of up to $50,000 for smaller communities to think about and design how transit can work within their communities.
  • Direct delivery programs include: the Public Transit Program, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, the Natural Infrastructure Fund, the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, and the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
  • Direct delivery infrastructure programs have targeted funding and program flexibilities for Indigenous, rural, and northern communities. For example, all direct delivery programs have a minimum of 10% of the total funding envelope allocated for Indigenous recipients and these recipients can access 100% federal share. In addition, under the Active Transportation Fund and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, Indigenous proponents can access various program flexibilities such as extended deadlines and continuous intakes.

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map

Issue / question

How is Infrastructure Canada keeping Canadians informed of its investments?

Suggested response

  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is committed to sharing information with Canadians about our infrastructure investments.
  • INFC regularly publishes a list of approved projects on the Open Government data portal.
  • INFC also produces and maintains a project map of approved projects that lets Canadians see the investments being made in their communities and across the country.
  • We are continually working to improve how we communicate the results of our investments to Canadians.

Background

  • The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map is part of Infrastructure Canada’s (INFC) ongoing web renewal to better communicate the results of infrastructure investments to Canadians.
  • The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map was launched on September 26, 2023, and replaced the Investing in Canada Plan (IICP) geospatial map on the department’s website.
  • While the IICP geospatial project map was a point-in-time snapshot of government-wide investments in infrastructure, the Housing and Infrastructure Project Map includes infrastructure investments announced since 2016, including Budgets 2018, 2019 and 2021. The map will be an evergreen representation of housing and infrastructure investments.
  • The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map currently consists of projects funded by INFC (including the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). It presents the breadth of investments by showcasing bricks-and-mortar projects financed by the federal government that are accessible to the public or offer essential services to Canadians.
  • The map is currently updated monthly for INFC, quarterly for CMHC and annually for Major Bridges programs. Infrastructure Canada is proposing the development of an automated system to support updates on a shorter timeline.
  • INFC is also proposing broader federal program coverage on the Housing and Infrastructure Map. Six departments and agencies have already expressed interest in participating: Canadian Heritage, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Indigenous Services Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Parks Canada, and Transport Canada. The department is also engaging additional departments/agencies for potential future inclusion.
  • More broadly, the department is developing an online “Infrastructure Hub” that will showcase federal investments and how they are contributing to the quality of life of Canadians.

National Infrastructure Assessment

Issue / question

The Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities has been mandated to launch Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment to help identify needs and priorities in the built environment and support long-term planning toward a net-zero emissions future.

Suggested response

  • Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment will be an expert-driven assessment of Canada’s infrastructure needs for the future.
  • The Assessment will provide data and information that will inform long-term infrastructure planning.
  • In the coming weeks, I will be establishing an advisory body to develop the National Infrastructure Assessment.

Background

  • First announced as part of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan and funded in Budget 2021, Canada’s first ever National Infrastructure Assessment is expected to be completed in 2025 following the development of substantive evidence and extensive engagement with experts and stakeholders, led by a Ministerial advisory body.
  • Initial public engagement was completed in summer 2021 on the idea of undertaking the National Infrastructure Assessment and options for its design and mandate.
  • Written submissions were received from over 300 organizations and individuals from across the country, demonstrating significant support for the initiative and a strong interest in establishing the initiative as an evidence-based, open, and transparent process with a broad remit to assess Canada’s future infrastructure needs and priorities.
  • With the benefit of having received these views, suggestions, and recommendations, officials are currently supporting the Minister in establishing an advisory body in the coming weeks to develop the National Infrastructure Assessment.

Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI)

Issue / question

How do Infrastructure Canada's investments in research address national housing and infrastructure needs?

Suggested response

  • By investing in infrastructure research, the Government of Canada helps to unlock new technologies, knowledge and data that can be applied in addressing critical housing and infrastructure needs.
  • For example, the Research and Knowledge Initiative is providing $10 million for research projects that will investigate innovative and practical solutions to housing and infrastructure challenges.
  • This builds on a previous investment of $10 million in projects to-date, which are working on the ground in communities to learn from and shape housing and infrastructure delivery. For instance, projects that: assess affordability and anti-poverty measures within local housing programs, monitor the performance of the materials and designs used for homes in the North, identify what kinds of infrastructure will best serve communities in keeping people safe from wildfires, and many more.

Background

  • The Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) is a national merit-based contributions funding program that funds projects focused on key Government of Canada research priorities related to housing, infrastructure, and communities. A series of new projects will be added as the approval process is completed. Current projects:

Climate Resilience

  • Dalhousie University is strengthening flood lines mapping for Nova Scotia, using climate forecasting techniques ($575,925).
  • The Government of Prince Edward Island is making province-wide coastal hazard information and coastal floodplain maps broadly available, as featured in the CBC article ($486,250).
  • New Brunswick Environmental Network is creating a local decision-making tool to identify areas suitable for nature-based infrastructure solutions ($259,655).
  • Ouranos, a not-for-profit based in Quebec, is developing tools to analyze climate risk impacts for infrastructure and the probabilities of hazards ($445,083).
  • Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society (KHS), is monitoring and analysing buildings in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, to better understand the impacts and performance of new building methods in northern areas ($320,700).
  • University of Victoria, with the Prairie Climate Centre, is bringing First Nations knowledge to infrastructure responses to climate change ($1,155,550).
  • University of Alberta is developing advanced tools to understand infrastructure needs for emergency movement of people during wildfires, as featured in the Global News article ($440,000).

Transit and Mobility

  • Union des transports adaptés et collectifs du Québec, is measuring transit impacts in suburban and rural communities ($250,557).
  • University of Toronto’s Transportation Research Institute is analyzing how government investments best enable low-carbon mobility choices ($837,600).

Open Data for Decision-Making and Community Engagement

  • Canadian Urban Institute, a not-for-profit organization, is evaluating main streets conditions and building an online platform for sharing ($600,000).
  • McGill University, with Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is assessing their Energy Poverty Reduction Program, which supports safe, affordable housing ($267,408).
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is developing an online platform for municipal-level infrastructure data sharing and deterioration modelling ($270,315).

Closing the Infrastructure Gap in Indigenous Communities

Issue / question

How does Infrastructure Canada support the Government of Canada’s mandate to close the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities?

Suggested response

  • The Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous communities to close the infrastructure gap and address Indigenous housing challenges, in the spirit of reconciliation.
  • Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada lead on the Government’s commitment to close the gap, including with support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on federal investments in Indigenous housing. This involves meaningful engagement and partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
  • In offering programming that is open to all communities, Infrastructure Canada strives to reduce barriers for Indigenous communities to participate, including:
    • full and inclusive Indigenous eligibility;
    • increased federal cost share – up to 100% of eligible costs in some cases;
    • flexibilities around the kinds of eligible projects, and;
    • adapted application process and other program parameters.
  • Budget 2024 committed $6 billion towards a new water, wastewater, and solid waste fund. Of the $5 billion portion of the Fund through bilateral agreements, to ensure that funding reaches communities of all sizes and needs, provinces and territories will be required to dedicate at least 20% of their agreement-based funding for northern, rural, and Indigenous communities.
  • The housing, infrastructure, and communities portfolio will continue to support the Government of Canada’s commitment, led by colleagues, to close the Indigenous infrastructure gap.

Background

  • Announced in Budget 2021, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) received $4.3 billion over four years, starting in 2021-22 for the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund to support their joint mandate to close the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities by 2030. ISC received $25 million through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to co-develop distinctions-based long-term infrastructure plans with Indigenous partners to address critical infrastructure needs.
  • Budget 2024 announced an additional investment of $918 million over five years to ISC and CIRNAC starting in 2024-25 to accelerate work in narrowing housing and infrastructure gaps in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) plays a support role in the Indigenous infrastructure space, complementing the core, distinctions-based funding delivered by ISC and CIRNAC, and works in collaboration with these federal leads to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to close the Indigenous infrastructure gap by 2030.
  • National Indigenous Organizations, in collaboration with ISC and CIRNAC, have developed reports assessing the investments needed to close the Indigenous infrastructure gap by distinction. On April 9, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) released a comprehensive report estimating that $349.2 billion ($289 billion for capital and $59.83 billion for O&M) would be required to close the infrastructure gap for First Nations. Meanwhile, in their September 2022 report, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) estimated that $75.1 billion ($55.3 billion for capital and $19.8 billion for O&M) is needed to close the gap in Inuit Nunangat, the traditional northern Inuit homeland encompassing 51 communities and four regions.

INFC Support for Indigenous Homelessness and Housing

  • INFC leads on Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, which is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada.
  • Reaching Home launched in 2019, and the Government of Canada has committed $4 billion over 9 years to support communities in addressing homelessness for individuals and families across Canada.
  • Budget 2024 proposes to provide an additional $1.3 billion over four years, starting in 2024-25, for Reaching Home as follows:
    • $1.0 billion over four years, starting in 2024-25, to stabilize funding under the program. Of this investment, $50 million will focus on accelerating community-level reductions in homelessness.
    • $250 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness. This funding will require provinces and territories to cost-match federal investments, leveraging a total of $500 million.
  • In recognition of the significant overrepresentation of Indigenous people among the homeless population, Reaching Home has two funding streams specifically targeting Indigenous peoples: the Indigenous Homelessness stream and the Distinctions-based stream, though Indigenous people can also access services under all Reaching Home streams.
    • The Indigenous Homelessness stream provides funding to organizations that provide culturally appropriate services and supports to address the specific needs of Indigenous people living in urban centers who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Indigenous Homelessness stream funding is delivered in 30 urban communities and seven regions across the country.
    • The Distinctions-based stream provides support to homelessness-related initiatives determined in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to help ensure that programming meets the specific needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. A portion of this funding is also dedicated to support community-based homelessness initiatives led by modern treaty holders with provisions in their treaties related to the delivery of social services.
  • INFC provides federal housing policy leadership and supports federal housing efforts and investments. In addition to general housing programs which help support Indigenous housing investments, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) delivers housing programs and initiatives that support First Nations housing, notably, the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program and On-Reserve Renovation Programs.
  • CMHC, ISC and CIRNAC, together with INFC, are advancing the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy (U.R.N.). The $4.3 billion strategy complements other investments in Indigenous housing, as well as the three existing distinctions-based First Nations, Inuit, and Métis housing strategies. CMHC leads the overall implementation of U.R.N., including the establishment of a national for-Indigenous-by-Indigenous Housing Centre, which will allocate 70% of the $4 billion announced in Budget 2023, starting in 2024-25. The remaining 30% will be disbursed by ISC and CIRNAC through distinctions-based mechanisms. Budget 2022 announced $300 million for immediate needs, which is being delivered by ISC.

INFC Program Funding and Capacity Supports for Indigenous Applicants

  • INFC adopted measures in the design of its five direct-delivery programs to eliminate barriers and improve access for Indigenous communities. These include minimum 10% program allocations for Indigenous projects, full and inclusive Indigenous eligibility, increased federal cost share – including up to 100% of eligible costs – and flexibilities around asset eligibility, application process and other program parameters.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

  • The CIB currently has a target of $1 billion of investment funding toward Indigenous community-based projects across the Bank’s five priority areas: clean power, green infrastructure, public transit, broadband, and trade and transportation. Within its programs, the CIB has two specific efforts to support Indigenous communities:
    • The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative which provides low-cost loans for projects with $5 million to $100 million in capital expenditures, typically in the water, wastewater, electrical, and energy sectors.
    • The Indigenous Equity Initiative (IEI), through which the CIB looks to lend to Indigenous communities to provide them with access to capital to purchase equity stakes in infrastructure projects in which the Bank is also investing. The IEI only funds projects in the Bank’s five priority areas.
  • As of February 15, 2024, the CIB has committed a total of $312.2 million towards 11 projects benefitting 59 Indigenous communities under the ICII and the IEI.
  • The CIB can also work with Indigenous partners by providing advice and accelerator funding to help projects move through concept to early-stage feasibility work, commercial structuring, and financial analysis.
  • Budget 2024 highlighted the launch of the CIB’s new Infrastructure for Housing Initiative, which will provide low-cost financing to municipalities and Indigenous communities to fund infrastructure needed to support new housing developments.

Future-Oriented Infrastructure Programs

  • Future INFC programs will be designed to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to the unique infrastructure needs and priorities of Indigenous communities, including through the provision of dedicated capacity supports.
  • INFC is currently working to advance new investments in infrastructure, including in areas of identified need and where the federal government has the greatest value-add such as water, wastewater and solid waste, and community assets.
  • Budget 2024 announced $500 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to support more projects through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
  • In addition, in response to the significant housing challenges faced by Canadian communities, including Indigenous communities, Budget 2024 committed $6 billion toward the new Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to accelerate the construction of water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructures which are critical to housing development. Projects will be selected for a $5 billion portion of the Fund through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, and for the remaining $1 billion portion through a direct intake to INFC. To ensure that funding reaches communities of all sizes and needs, provinces and territories will be required to dedicate at least 20% of their agreement-based funding for northern, rural, and Indigenous communities.

Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey

Issue / question

What data does Infrastructure Canada have on infrastructure in Canada?

Suggested response

  • To better understand Canada's infrastructure and determine current and future needs, Infrastructure Canada (INFC) has launched several data initiatives, including Canada's Core Public Infrastructure (CCPI) survey in 2016.
  • The department has also invested in other data sources related to infrastructure and communities, such as the Infrastructure Economic Account (which has data on the economic, social, and environmental impacts related to the production and use of infrastructure).
  • Using this data, decision makers can assess the current state of Canada's infrastructure, identify investment gaps, and forecast future needs, thereby facilitating informed policy-making and resource allocation.

Background

  • Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey:
    • To date, data has been released for 2016, 2018, and 2020. Data for 2022 will be released this year and the 2024 survey is being developed.
    • Canada's core public infrastructure is broken down into the following nine asset classes: roads; bridges and tunnels; potable water; wastewater; storm water; public transit; solid waste; culture, recreation, and sports facilities; and public social and affordable housing.
  • Infrastructure Economic Account:
    • The Infrastructure Economic Account represents a set of statistical statements that record the economic, social, and environmental impacts related to the production and use of infrastructure in Canada and each province and territory.
    • It includes data going back to 1981 and is updated annually on the provincial and territorial level.
    • This statistical framework is consistent with the Canadian system of national accounts, Canadian government finance statistics and Canada's balance of payments. This consistency permits users to analyze the infrastructure related statistical statements in the context of economy wide measures such as investment, gross domestic product (GDP), national income and wealth.
  • Other data initiatives:
    • Spatial Access Measures: Released in 2023, this is set of spatial measures that quantifies the ease of access to services and amenities using active and public modes of transportation for every block in Canada.
    • Capital Expenditures Survey for Infrastructure: Capital expenditures on infrastructure assets according to the function, or purpose, of the spending. Public ownership includes the assets that are majority-owned by the governments in Canada (federal, provincial, territorial, regional and municipal). The dataset has annual data beginning from 2018.
    • Open Database of Infrastructure: The Open Database of Infrastructure (ODI) is a collection of open data containing the types and locations of a selection of infrastructure across Canada. The categories covered in the ODI are bridges, tunnels, solid waste, pedestrian and cycling paths, public transit stops, potable water, storm water, and wastewater. The ODI brings together data primarily originating from municipal, provincial, and federal open data portals.

Road Infrastructure

Issue / question

How does Infrastructure Canada contribute to federal investments in road infrastructure?

Suggested response

  • Infrastructure Canada invests in highways and local roads through the Canada Community-Building Fund. Since 2015, this program has provided predictable, flexible funding to communities to meet their local infrastructure needs, including road projects.
  • Moving forward, investments in highways and local roads will continue to be eligible under the Canada Community-Building Fund.
  • We also support rural roads and highways under the $2 billion Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as through projects that can increase the climate resilience of roadways under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
  • The Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure that will grow our economy, connect individuals to jobs and economic opportunities, and support the vitality of communities across the country.

Background

  • Under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), roads and bridges represent over 50% of total projects funded in a given year. In the most recent reporting year (2022-23), the federal government supported 2,651 road projects. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has supported 10,833 projects under the CCBF, representing a federal investment of nearly $4.5 billion under the program.
  • Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), road and bridge projects were eligible under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream – meaning eligibility was limited to new and rehabilitated roads in rural and northern communities.
    • The Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Rehabilitation for $10.5M in federal contribution
    • The Billy-Diamond road and Chisasibi road rehabilitation project in QC for $132M in federal contribution
    • Enhancements to Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) in NL for $153M in federal contribution
    • Whati` Access Road - Improvements in NT for $15M in federal contribution
    • The Dieppe Boulevard Extension in NB for $21M in federal contribution
  • Since November 2015, ICIP’s Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream has committed a total of $836 million towards 438 road-and-highway-related projects across Canada.
  • Roads or assets associated with a road, or a highway are eligible for funding under the Disaster Adaptation and Mitigation Fund if they are part of a larger project and contribute to increasing their communities’ climate resilience.
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