Ontario Construction News Staff Writer
The federal government has appointed a council to complete Canada’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA), focused on a long-term infrastructure strategy. The NIA will provide critical data and analysis to guide investments in infrastructure particularly in housing, transportation, and climate resilience.
Members will compile data, conduct research and assess the impacts of population growth and climate change on key sectors.
Core areas of focus include:
- water and wastewater systems
- public transit
- active transportation
- waste management.
The goal is to ensure communities across the country have adequate infrastructure to support housing development and also building infrastructure resilient to climate change.
A group of 11 experts from across the country with extensive experience in infrastructure sectors will connect with key stakeholders, including industry partners and municipal, provincial, and Indigenous governments.
“Infrastructure shapes community. By harnessing data and evidence, the NIA will enable communities to plan and invest for the long term so they can grow and thrive now and into the future,” said Jennifer Angel, CEO of Evergreen and CIC chair. “I’m honoured to be working alongside the council to deliver an NIA that will be a useful tool so that infrastructure operators, owners, and investors can make decisions with confidence.”
The Canadian Infrastructure Council is composed of experts drawn from diverse sectors, including engineering, finance, policy, and urban planning, including Jennifer Angel (chair), Peter Weltman (vice-chair),Sara Brown, James Dunn, Joanna Eyquem, Graham Gagnon, John McKendrick, Doug McNeil, Catherine Morency, Ren Thomas, and Judy Whiteduck.
Each member will serve on a part-time basis until March 31, 2027, and will report directly to the minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“A key reason for the NIA is to ensure each dollar is invested in a way that effectively contributes to productivity and economic growth, and that improves the quality of life for our growing population,” said Peter Weltman, vice-chair of the council and director of Technomics Inc.] “The NIA will be a valuable tool for ensuring decision-makers have the data required to deliver high-performance infrastructure that supports thriving communities.”