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Infrastructure Canada's mission is to build world-class public infrastructure that contributes to Canada's economic growth, a clean environment and strong communities for Canadians.
In carrying out this Government of Canada priority, Infrastructure Canada manages a suite of funding programs, and works to build the policies, knowledge and partnerships to support them. The Government maximizes value for taxpayers' money by supporting infrastructure projects that adhere to best practices, leveraging investments from other orders of government and requiring all funding recipients to be accountable.
2007-2008 Strategic Outcome: Improving the sustainability of our cities and communities and Canada's local, regional and national public infrastructure to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life of Canadians.
Infrastructure Canada's Strategic Outcome in 2007-2008 identifies the organization's areas of influence and demonstrates how the department's efforts benefit Canadians and contribute to Government priorities. This Strategic Outcome is achieved by:
Infrastructure Canada had the following three Program Activities for 2007-2008:
Planned Spending |
Authorities |
Actual Spending |
---|---|---|
2,861,043 |
3,104,822 |
1,943,381 |
Planned |
Actual |
Difference |
---|---|---|
144 |
144 |
0 |
During 2007-2008, in addition to the launch and creation of the federal government's new $33 billion Building Canada Infrastructure Plan, Infrastructure Canada continued to support important infrastructure investments across Canada through existing programs. Some $200 million was provided to top-up the MRIF to ensure continued support to communities across Canada during the transition to Building Canada. In 2007-2008, Infrastructure Canada provided close to $2 billion to support infrastructure priorities across Canada through existing programs.
In support of its priority to deliver or coordinate approved program funding, Infrastructure Canada manages and leverages investments in public infrastructure to improve the state of Canada's public infrastructure and, in turn, to promote economic growth, a clean environment and strong communities. The Department works in a coordinated manner with other federal departments and regional development agencies, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, First Nations and municipal associations to deliver approved program funding. Currently the six federal partners responsible for program delivery are: Western Economic Diversification Canada (for projects in the western provinces); Industry Canada (for projects in Ontario); Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (for projects in Quebec); the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (for projects in the Atlantic provinces); Transport Canada (for major transit and transportation-related projects under the Building Canada Major Infrastructure Component); and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (for projects in the provinces that involve First Nations and projects in the three territories).
This Program Activity consists of all infrastructure programming delivered through transfer payments as well as the related program management and monitoring functions.
The $8.8 billion Building Canada Fund's Major Infrastructure Component and Communities Component have been designed to support a number of the Government's national objectives. First, the BCF builds on and at the same time simplifies current existing infrastructure programs, to provide greater integration and flexibility. Second, by focusing on results and value for money and clearly defining objectives and expected results, the BCF respects the Government's core priority of improving the accountability and transparency of government operations to Canadians. Through a series of framework agreements to be signed with each jurisdiction, the BCF will work in partnership with provinces/territories and municipalities. Third, by investing in core infrastructure, BCF will support the growth of Canada's economy. Fourth, public infrastructure can play a large role in achieving outcomes related to the quality of Canada's air, water, and land, so BCF investments will contribute to a cleaner environment. Finally, viable and resilient public infrastructure is essential to fostering stronger and safer communities, which in turn contributes to a high quality of life for all Canadians.
Additional information on the BCF is available at, http://www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
The Gas Tax Fund makes capital investments in environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure to improve water and air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible investments include water, wastewater, solid waste, public transit, community energy systems, and local roads and bridges. The GTF combines predictable, long-term funding with local decision making and planning to enable municipalities to build and rehabilitate their core public infrastructure. Whatever the priority, the GTF program strives to meet the diverse needs of all communities while contributing to national environmental outcomes.
Additional information on the GTF is available at, http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/communities-collectivites/agreements-ententes/gas-essence_tax/index_e.shtml.
In 2007-2008, $778 million3 of the GTF allocation ($790 million) was transferred to the provinces/territories, to be in turn allocated to their municipalities.
An agreement for all of Ontario's unincorporated areas was signed in June 2007. (In Ontario, unincorporated areas represent those parts of the province without municipal organization.) Ontario's unincorporated areas will receive $5,742,000 in federal gas tax funding for public road improvements. Through the agreement, the Government of Canada will provide a total of over $3.1 million to the northeast region of Ontario and over $2.6 million to the northwest. In total, 196 unincorporated areas will benefit. Eligible projects include culvert replacements, brushing and clearing, ditching, road realignments, resurfacing, safety improvements and other improvements.
British Columbia signed the first extension agreement in March 2007. A second round of applications for pooled funding was issued in December 2007 and closed in April 2008.
The GTF also includes a capacity building component to help municipal jurisdictions to develop Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSPs), which is a key component of each agreement. In 2007-2008, BC developed its ICSP framework, which included the launch of a new website and a guide for municipalities for the development of their ICSPs. Nunavut, Nova Scotia and PEI also finalized their ICSP frameworks for communities in 2007-2008.
An implementation evaluation of the GTF was completed in 2007-2008, which concluded that the GTF is a well-run program. The study found that the GTF helps to foster relationships between governments. Some of the other study findings were:
In summary, the GTF is meeting the needs of recipients and of the Government of Canada. The design and delivery have been well implemented. There are a few minor issues that require attention, but overall, the GTF is producing positive results and benefits for communities across Canada.
Due to the unique upfront funding mechanism of the GTF program, projects are reported by the jurisdictions for the previous year from which the reporting takes place. Therefore for 2007-2008, the results for 2006-2007 have been submitted to Infrastructure Canada.
The GTF allocation for 2006-2007 was $592,494,0004 of which $590.2 million flowed to the provinces and territories. In turn, the provinces and territories flowed $550 million to the municipal recipients. This equates to 1,967 new GTF projects. By 2006-2007, some 2,233 projects were funded through the GTF, benefiting more than 2,700 municipalities.
Since the funds are transferred upfront, the provinces/territories and municipalities are able to bank any unexpended funds and earn interest as long as the interest is used towards GTF investments. In 2006-2007, the provinces/territories and municipalities together earned over $13.1 million interest. As well, these recipients reported incurring administration costs of $2.6 million, which is easily offset by the interest alone. The limited administration cost compared to the interest earned has meant additional dollars for projects over and above provincial/territorial allocations.
Further financial information by province/territory can be found in Table 23 in Section IV.
In terms of spent and committed funds for projects, water and wastewater infrastructure is by far the largest investment category, followed by public transit and local roads. At the other end of the spectrum, investment dollars in solid waste, community energy systems and capacity building are among the least-accessed investment areas.
More than 85% of all GTF dollar investments from 2005 to 2007 focused on the renewal and expansion of existing infrastructure. New infrastructure represents a much smaller portion of investment dollars mainly in the areas of active transportation and recycling.
Table 3 provides a breakdown of the 2,233 committed projects 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, which is the latest information by category available for the program.
2005-2006 |
2006-2007 |
Cumulative |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
National |
Projects |
Funds Committed ($) |
Projects |
Funds Committed ($) |
Projects |
Funds Committed ($) |
Water/Waste Water |
125 |
19,192,105 |
923 |
393,626,839 |
1,048 |
412,818,944 |
Public Transit |
26 |
88,203,167 |
31 |
128,424,643 |
57 |
216,627,810 |
Roads and Bridges |
78 |
5,865,404 |
708 |
141,261,196 |
786 |
147,126,600 |
Solid Waste |
14 |
11,313,435 |
85 |
31,677,230 |
99 |
42,990,665 |
Community Energy Systems |
9 |
677,470 |
107 |
10,345,941 |
116 |
11,023,411 |
Capacity Building |
14 |
1,885,009 |
113 |
5,085,341 |
127 |
6,970,350 |
Total |
266 |
127,136,590 |
1,967 |
710,421,191 |
2,233 |
837,557,781 |
* The most recent expenditure figures for the GTF are for 2006-2007. The information is based on the annual expenditure reports that the provinces and territories submit to Infrastructure Canada in September after their fiscal year ends. The figures for 2007-2008 will become available in September 2008.
Some of the GTF highlights are as follows:
The PTF provides $400 million, allocated over two years, to support projects that provide better and more flexible public transportation options for Canadians, thereby reducing congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing airborne pollutants and improving the quality of the environment. Funds are transferred to municipalities or other eligible recipients through agreements between Canada and the provinces and territories. Allocation in most jurisdictions is based primarily on transit ridership.
All PTF funds flowed to provinces and territories between 2005 and 2007. By the end of 2006-2007, $190 million, or nearly half of the $400 million total allocation, was spent on projects.
Table 24 in Section IV provides the expenditures spent on the PTF for 2006-2007 by the provinces and territories. The numbers are an approximation as not all annual expenditure reports had been received by the end of the fiscal year.
Additional information on the PTF is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/communities-collectivites/agreements-ententes/public_trans_commun/index_e.shtml.
The CSIF operates under the authority of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund Act. It is directed to projects of major federal and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians.
CSIF investments are made in cooperation with the provinces, territories, municipalities and the private sector. Each project is governed by specifically tailored arrangements with partners. Maximum federal funding is set at 50% of total eligible project costs, except for broadband and northern infrastructure projects, for which federal funding can go to a maximum of 75%. The costs of projects involving a municipal partner are typically shared equally among the three orders of government.
Ten per cent of the CSIF allocation is targeted for projects identified as national priority projects. The CSIF has supported large-scale national projects that include the Red River Floodway project in Manitoba, the National Satellite Initiative to provide broadband access to northern and remote communities and the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park in Alberta. For more information about CSIF projects, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/csif-fcis/proj/proj_desc_prov_e.shtml.
As of March 31, 2008, total CSIF funding amounted to $5.2 billion. During 2007-2008, nine new projects were announced with a total federal contribution of $210.1 million. These projects were:
Since the CSIF was established in 2001, 71 projects have been announced totalling more than $4.5 billion in federal contributions and contribution agreements (establishing the legal basis for federal payments on projects) have been signed for 46 projects. Table 4 illustrates the breakdown of CSIF projects by investment category.
As of March 31, 2008, the majority of CSIF funding has been committed, including the $750 million of top up funding announced in Budget 2006.
Additional information concerning the breakdown of CSIF projects announced in 2007-2008, by category and province, is shown in Tables 18 and 19 in Section IV.
Category |
# of Projects Announced in 2007-2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated in 2007-2008 ($M) |
# of Projects Announced as of March 31, 2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated as of March 31, 2008 ($M) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Water |
2 |
39.3 |
3 |
97.8 |
Wastewater |
1 |
40.5 |
14 |
329.1 |
Local Transportation Infrastructure |
– |
– |
1 |
13.0 |
Highways and Rail Infrastructure |
2 |
35.0 |
21 |
1,605.5 |
Public Transit |
1 |
35.0 |
8 |
1,491.0 |
Broadband |
2 |
25.4 |
7 |
68.6 |
Disaster Migration |
– |
– |
1 |
332.5 |
Housing |
– |
– |
1 |
20.0 |
Tourism or Urban Development |
1 |
35.0 |
15 |
509.7 |
Total |
9 |
210.1 |
71 |
4,467.2* |
Note: columns may not add due to rounding.
* Total does not include Federal Coordination of $137M, Research of $50M, the $50M Transfer to Parks Canada for Banff National Park or the $4.15M Spending restraint imposed by TBS to smaller Ministry.
The $600-million BIF was established in 2001 to target improvements primarily to the six largest surface border crossings between Canada and the United States, as well as improvements to several other crossings. It has provided funding for investments in physical infrastructure, intelligent transportation system infrastructure and improved analytical capacity. BIF investments in border infrastructure are critical to Canada's growing economic and trade relationship with the United States and reflect the importance of Canada's border crossings, ports and highway approaches to economic growth, trade and security, both nationally and as international gateways.
Since BIF's inception, 12 projects have been announced totalling $550.1 million in federal contributions. A summary of BIF expenditures is provided in Table 5. For more information about BIF projects, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/bif-fsif/proj/proj_desc_prov_e.shtml.
Additional information concerning BIF projects, by category and province/territory, is shown in Tables 20 and 21 in Section IV.
Category |
# of Projects Announced in 2007-2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated in 2007-2008 ($M) |
# of Projects Announced as of March 31, 2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated as of March 31, 2008 ($M) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Infrastructure |
– |
29.95 |
11 |
546.0 |
Improve Analytical Capacity |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Intelligent Transportation System Infrastructure |
– |
– |
1 |
4.1 |
Total |
0 |
29.95 |
12 |
550.1* |
* The total allocation for BIF excludes $3M, which was transferred to the Canada Border Services Agency for the Border Modelling project.
Reflecting a government commitment to municipal and economic growth, the $1.2 billion MRIF, announced in 2003, focuses on smaller-scale municipal infrastructure projects that support sustainable development, improved quality of life and economic opportunities and increased connectivity for smaller and rural communities. A minimum of 60% of the MRIF's nation-wide expenditures is devoted to projects addressing environmental quality objectives such as water and wastewater treatment. MRIF also supports roads, bridges, cultural and recreation infrastructure in communities across Canada. The MRIF also has a component to address the infrastructure needs of First Nations communities, which is now part of the FNIF.
As part of its infrastructure investment activities, Infrastructure Canada also works to build capacity and generate knowledge on infrastructure and community issues working with municipalities and other partners. Up to 1% of the jurisdictional allocation under the MRIF is available for a Municipal Capacity Building component that seeks to encourage the use of integrated asset management by small-scale Canadian municipalities. The goal of this component is to promote the implementation of integrated approaches to public infrastructure planning and management; encourage the use of asset management in support of decision making; promote the integration of demand management in public infrastructure planning and management; and encourages the sharing of project results with other municipalities and the public.
The formative evaluation conducted in 2007-2008 noted that MRIF is an appropriate program to support infrastructure development in smaller and rural municipalities, has produced a significant number of outputs (infrastructure projects) that will contribute to the intended outcomes of the program, and is appropriately designed to promote policy objectives for all partners involved. It also indicated that the role of the federal government in MRIF is relevant in that it has expedited the realization of much needed municipal infrastructure projects and leveraged other funding sources to provide 70.6% of the project funding.
During 2007-2008, 821 new MRIF projects were approved, with a total federal contribution of $212.4 million. Since the MRIF was established in 2003, 1,778 projects have been approved, totalling $871.3 million in federal contributions. Table 6 illustrates how the MRIF projects approved as of March 31, 2008, are distributed by investment category.
One of the priorities during 2007-2008 was to allocate the additional $200 million MRIF funding. As of March 31, 2008, the majority of MRIF funding, including the top-up, has been allocated in all provinces and territories.
Another priority during 2007-2008 was to deliver MRIF funds identified for First Nations communities in the provinces. On April 16, 2007, an MOU between INFC and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada was signed. In October 2007, Infrastructure Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Assembly of First Nations announced the First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF).
For more information about MRIF projects, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/mrif-fimr/projects-projets/index_e.shtml. For more information about FNIF projects, visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/hsg/cih/ci/prg-index_e.html.
Additional information concerning MRIF projects, by province/territory, is shown in Table 22 in Section IV.
Category |
# of Projects Announced in 2007-2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated in 2007-2008 ($M) |
# of Projects Announced as of March 31, 2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated as of March 31, 2008 ($M) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Water |
131 |
66.8 |
380 |
231.6 |
Wastewater |
96 |
48.1 |
360 |
282.3 |
Solid Waste |
3 |
0.2 |
38 |
10.2 |
Environmental Energy Improvements |
17 |
8.7 |
29 |
24.7 |
Local Roads |
50 |
22.6 |
366 |
147.0 |
Public Transit |
3 |
0.5 |
5 |
8.1 |
Cultural |
24 |
7.7 |
63 |
21.6 |
Recreation |
78 |
43.4 |
152 |
110.4 |
Connectivity |
4 |
0.1 |
8 |
4.4 |
Tourism |
14 |
8.2 |
20 |
14.5 |
Municipal Capacity Building |
440 |
3.7 |
447 |
4.4 |
Service Infrastructure |
1 |
2.6 |
6 |
12.1 |
Adjustment for projects applicable to multiple categories |
(40) |
– |
(96) |
– |
Total |
821 |
212.4 |
1,778 |
871.3 |
The $2.05-billion ICP was created in 2000 to enhance infrastructure in Canada's urban and rural communities and to improve the quality of life of Canadians through investments that protect the environment and support long-term community and economic growth. Funding was transferred, at the beginning of the program, to the federal delivery partners whose ministers are accountable for delivery of the program. While each of the federal ministers heading these departments has financial and parliamentary responsibility for program delivery, the Minister responsible for Infrastructure Canada is responsible for the overall policy and coordination aspects including maintenance of the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI)) and the required program evaluation.
The priority for the ICP has been to support "green" municipal infrastructure, consistent with the Government's sustainable development objective. A minimum of 50% of federal ICP expenditures is devoted to such projects as water and wastewater systems, solid waste management and recycling and capital expenditures to retrofit or improve the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities owned by local governments. Other ICP priorities include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, rural and remote telecommunications and affordable housing.
The ICP (with the exception of the First Nations component) was extended to March 31, 2011 to allow all agreements and projects to be completed. No additional funding will be provided.
Since its inception, 3,871 ICP projects have been approved, totalling nearly $2 billion in federal contributions. A summary of federal funds allocated by ICP categories is provided in Table 7. For more information about ICP projects, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/icp-pic/projects-projets/index_e.shtml.
The total investment in community infrastructure generated by ICP to date exceeds the original goal by 30%. The federal contribution leveraged nearly $6 billion of total investment in community infrastructure from other levels of government. As determined by the mid-term evaluation of the ICP in 2006, the Program has also achieved an appropriate balance of federal and provincial priorities. A summary of the evaluation report is available at http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pd-dp/eval/me_icp_2006_e.shtml.
Additional information concerning ICP projects, by province/territory, is shown in Table 21 in Section IV.
Category |
# of projects approved as of March 31, 2008 |
Total Federal Funds Allocated as of March 31, 2008 ($M) |
---|---|---|
Green Municipal |
2,420 |
1,055.2 |
Local Transportation |
731 |
421.1 |
Cultural and Recreational |
608 |
352.1 |
High-Speed Access for Public Institutions |
3 |
8.4 |
Rural and Remote Telecommunications |
5 |
0.7 |
Affordable Housing |
7 |
6.8 |
Tourism |
61 |
78.2 |
Other |
36 |
15.4 |
Total |
3,871 |
1,937.7 |
Note: Columns may not add due to rounding.
Planned Spending |
Authorities |
Actual Spending |
---|---|---|
18,157 |
20,134 |
13,046 |
Planned |
Actual |
Difference |
---|---|---|
93 |
73 |
20 |
Infrastructure Canada works with its partners to identify and assess public infrastructure needs, to evaluate priorities and funding pressures and to develop policy options for the Minister's consideration.
In 2007-2008, Infrastructure Canada continued to deliver high quality and timely policy support and advice to develop strategic policies based on sound knowledge and strong partnerships. In particular, 2007-2008 was a busy year, focused on the launch of the federal government's new, 7-year, $33 billion Building Canada plan announced in Budget 2007. This required extensive work related to policy development, program design and frameworks, approvals, negotiation with all thirteen jurisdictions and the launching of the Building Canada plan by the Prime Minister on November 6, 2007.
Specific results achieved include:
In supporting the development of strategic policies and strong partnerships, the research activities sponsored or conducted by Infrastructure Canada under the Knowledge component of this Program Activity focus on three objectives:
Infrastructure Canada contributed to the objective of generating knowledge of infrastructure issues in Canada by conducting in-house research, as well as by sponsoring targeted research under two programs: the Peer Reviewed Research Studies (PRRS) program and the Knowledge-building, Outreach and Awareness (KOA) program. These two programs are part of the Research, Knowledge and Outreach Initiative, which was announced in 2005 for a five-year period, with total funding of $25 million (reduced to $12.5 million in 2006-2007). The KOA and PRRS programs were both extended by a period of one year, and will now terminate on March 31, 2010.
In-house research is focused on improving baseline knowledge of emerging policy and economic issues with implications for nation-wide infrastructure priorities, drawing on academic experts and professional consultants as needed. Two key areas of focus in 2007-2008 were policy challenges in urban transportation and the redevelopment of "brownfields" – abandoned, or underutilized commercial or industrial sites. The following research studies were released by the department for discussion or information purposes:
In addition, two research notes were published on the results of ongoing in-house analyses to help guide future research directions: Literature Review of Methodologies to Evaluate the State of Infrastructure, and a review of Integrated Water Resource Management.
In 2007-2008, the KOA Program was used to provide targeted support to three initiatives focused on furthering applied research and technical knowledge on the state of Canada's infrastructure through the signing of agreements with a combined total value of approximately $940,400. Initiatives included:
Infrastructure Canada contributes to this objective through consultations, participation in relevant events and leading initiatives aimed at improving exchange and research collaboration between different organizations and fields of expertise.
Infrastructure Canada became an active member of the major CanCompete initiative of the Conference Board of Canada. CanCompete is a multi-stakeholder research and consultation forum with the goals of building a National Competitiveness Action Plan and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors. CanCompete is structured around five Centres, each focused on one of five strategies to improve Canada's competitiveness. The Centre on Infrastructure will address the "successful cities" strategy, and will be closely linked with other Centres.
Infrastructure Canada compiled a list of federal experts and researchers involved in infrastructure-related issues and organized fora and presentations by outside experts on key issues.
With new information being generated on infrastructure, an increasingly important objective for Infrastructure Canada is to develop and encourage ways of disseminating this new information and knowledge to client audiences.
Significant progress was made in improving the availability of Infrastructure Canada research products through on-line resources by upgrading and expanding on the Infrastructure Research Gateway on the Infrastructure Canada Internet site (http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/research-recherche/index_e.shtml). New or improved on-line resources and information products included easier access to the on-line Register of Research, and the timely provision of "research précis", providing interpretations of new developments or topical issues, including: "Is 'Just-in-Case' replacing 'Just-in-Time'"; "How Cross-border Trading Behavior has Changed since 9-11"; and, "Outlook on Australia's Infrastructure Plans." Infrastructure Canada is also developing an on-line list of information, tools and resources related to sustainable community planning.
Infrastructure Canada is committed to working cooperatively with partners at all levels of government, nationally and internationally, and across all sectors to implement a shared vision for the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Canada's infrastructure and communities.
Results Achieved
Infrastructure Canada has continued to strengthen its capacity to develop and foster sound policies and decision-making on public infrastructure based on better knowledge, consensus and strong partnerships. In 2007-2008, successful initiatives in partnership development included: