Construction associations praise

“The infrastructure dollars are still a commitment to infrastructure spending and an indicator of not taking the foot off the gas pedal,” said Clive Thurston, Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) president. “The three-year allocation is in line with what we were looking for.” The 2011 budget also confirmed $30 million over three years in funding for community demonstration programs, municipal water sustainability planning and support for education and public awareness of water conservation. The Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) said this focus on sustainability planning is crucial for the province’s future linear infrastructure. “We hope that it encourages municipalities to look at their sustainability plans and go to a full-cost pricing model,” said Joe Accardi, OSWCA executive director. “Hopefully that will result in increased funds and planning to improve infrastructure and system efficiencies. We also are anxiously waiting to see what the province will have in its 10-year infrastructure plan.” The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) said the funding to improve water conservation in small municipalities will be helpful to raise awareness. However, more needs to be done in developing regulations for the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act passed last November. “A lack of action on this legislation will have a detrimental impact on encouraging all municipalities to bring forward full-cost pricing and advanced metering in order to sustain Ontario’s water and wastewater systems,” stated Andy Manahan, RCCAO executive director. “We do applaud the province on its continued recognition of the value of infrastructure investment.” OSWCA also feels that regulations are key to moving the act forward so municipalities can start to control and improve asset efficiencies. The 2011 provincial budget earmarked — including transfers for capital purposes and repairs — $2.4 billion for transit capital infrastructure, $2.1 billion for provincial highways, $325 million for municipal and local infrastructure and $288 million for water/environment infrastructure.