Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) says the provincial government’s budget “builds on the serious progress made to expand Ontario’s transportation network and supports the province’s rapidly growing population.”
By committing $27.9 billion over 10 years for planning and construction of highway expansion and rehabilitation projects and $70.5 billion for public transit infrastructure across the province is “laying the foundation for Ontario’s continued economic development and prosperity of tomorrow,” said Nadia Todorova, executive director of RCCAO.
RCCAO is also pleased to see significant investments to recruit and train a new generation of builders, including the $224 million investment this year in the Skills Development Fund, including in union training halls to train the next generation of builders to help solve Ontario’s housing crisis.
When coupled with the recent provincial-federal immigration agreement, RCCAO says actions will increase the capacity of Ontario’s skilled trades and construction industry to fulfil the critical infrastructure needs of the province by welcoming more people to Ontario to help build its future.
Here’s what industry leaders are saying about the provincial budget:
“Ontario’s 2023 budget continues to show a clear commitment to the skilled trades through ongoing support of the industry’s efforts to recruit more people and provide them the training they need to succeed. In addition, the government’s platform to continue tackling affordability and the housing crisis is of particular importance to our members, who are on the front lines every day building the homes, hospitals, and roads that will not only allow the province to keep going but will also improve the lives of everyone who makes Ontario their home.”
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793
“Building more homes and expanding transportation infrastructure go hand-in-hand in creating complete communities. Over the next 10 years, at least 1.5 million homes need to be built to meet existing demographic projections. Investments into roads, highways and public transportation will get Ontario’s families moving, create jobs and spur housing stock.”
Richard Lyall
Executive Director
Joint Residential Construction Association
“The Bradford Bypass and Highway 413 projects are the type of transformational infrastructure that are going to shape the future of the Greater Toronto Area. They are critical for the movement of goods and people in the most concentrated economic hub in the country. We commend the Ford Government’s foresight and Minister Mulroney’s determination to move these projects forward.”
Patrick McManus
Executive Director
Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA)
“The Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT) is encouraged by the Government of Ontario’s continued commitment to fund the much-needed improvements in the transportation corridors across Ontario. Building now for the upcoming projected population growth in the province is good planning, but moreover, will provide good paying jobs for the thousands of construction craft workers in our industry as well as the various supply sectors such as aggregate, asphalt and concrete. Budget 2023 continues building out Minister Mulroney’s Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and we applaud the consistent approach to critical infrastructure development in Ontario.”
Peter Smith
Executive Director
Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT)
“Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass are investments that will have a direct, positive impact on the communities where our employees live and work. The investments will provide thousands of high paying employment opportunities for our industry and help Ontario prosper by meeting its future infrastructure requirements.”
Rick Logozzo
President
Toronto Area Road Builders Association (TARBA)