Ontario Construction News staff writer
Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure (CCPI) survey, will give communities across Canada tools and support to make decisions for “well-planned, modern public infrastructure that will help create healthier, safer and stronger communities.
That’s the conclusion the federal government released in response to the survey.
“Water infrastructure is critical to protecting the health of Canadians and of our environment. When our government came into office, we recognized many drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems were nearing the end of their useful life – that is why we have been partnering with provinces and municipalities across the country to boost our investments in that sector,” said Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities.
“Our approach will continue to be guided by the latest and best data available, all with the objective of improving quality of life in communities across Canada.”
Data creates a snapshot of the inventory, condition and performance of water infrastructure (potable water, wastewater and storm water) across Canada.
The CCPI survey was funded by Infrastructure Canada.
It shows the average annual rate of construction of linear water pipes increased in 2019 and 2020 by 47% compared to the average annual rate from 2000 to 2018.
Similarly, stormwater management facilities – ponds, wetlands and infiltration basins – had the largest share of total inventory built since 2010 at 43%.
“This growth reflects Infrastructure Canada’s investments of more than $4.5 billion in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects over the past six years, part of the over $46 billion invested by Infrastructure Canada to support world-class infrastructure projects across the country,” LeBlanc said.
The CCPI gathers information through a survey in nine public infrastructure categories:
- roads
- bridges and tunnels
- potable water
- wastewater
- storm water
- culture, recreation and sports facilities
- social and affordable housing
- public transit; and
- solid waste.
The survey sample included approximately 2,469 units with an 89 per cent response rate. It builds on the data released for reference years 2016 and 2018 and highlight changes over the two-year period between releases.