Big and bold on cities

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This article was published 21/03/2016 (3496 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Cities are expected to be big winners in Tuesday’s federal budget, the first for the new Liberal government. Municipal leaders across Canada are ready to rise to the moment and work with all orders of government to strengthen today’s communities, and tomorrow’s Canada.

Investing in municipalities will deliver results in Winnipeg. One of the many things I have learned as a councillor is that Canadians care about infrastructure. People want to spend less time commuting and more time with their families, as well as having good roads and safe bridges. They want decent housing that’s affordable, for themselves, and for their neighbours. They want cleaner air and water, and they want climate change taken seriously. And, more than ever, Canadians understand that by tackling these priorities in communities across the country, we can set Canada on a path to sustained growth, creating jobs now and for the future.

Earlier this month when I met with my colleagues from across the country on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), we agreed FCM’s plan to transform Ottawa’s bold investment into job creation, sustainable economic growth and a better quality of life for all Canadians is the right plan, at the right time.

The federal government has promised significant investment in infrastructure, and the FCM plan details how investing in infrastructure pays off now and pays it forward. Every $1 billion invested smartly in infrastructure can create up to 18,000 jobs and return $1.64 billion to the economy.

But not only do we need to invest in infrastructure, we need to do it in a way that helps address climate change and how it is affecting our cities. We know that investing in green infrastructure can reduce our risk from extreme weather and save anywhere from $9 to $38 for every dollar spent.

The FCM is calling for the expansion of its already successful Green Municipal Fund. Through this fund, cities are putting in place municipal infrastructure projects designed to mitigate and adapt to climate change and make other green improvements, such as improvements to drinking water, storm water and waste water infrastructure.

Housing affordability is another big challenge for our cities. We need to increase the affordability of housing, which will help grow our communities and make them more livable, as well as creating an economic return on investment of up to $1.40 for every $1 invested. The FCM plan calls for the federal government to reinvest expiring federal funding into new long-term rent subsidies for rent-geared-to-income units. It also asks to make accelerated investments in capital repair and renewal through a carve-out within the Social Infrastructure Fund, while maintaining flexibility for priority new construction.

When it comes to transit, Canada’s cities own, operate and maintain most of our public transit systems, and they partner with provinces to build effective regional systems. Today, as cities grapple with population growth, traffic congestion erodes air quality and costs our economy $10 billion in lost productivity each year. But with a strong federal partner and predictable funding, cities such as Winnipeg that operate transit systems are ready to make major investments, both to renew transit networks and to build new energy-efficient transit connections. We welcome the federal government’s commitment to dedicated investment through a new Transit Infrastructure Fund.

There is an urgent need for investment to renew and repair existing transit infrastructure with the flexibility to direct funds to new construction, expansions and long-term planning when projects are ready to go. There is also a need for preliminary contribution agreements to be signed for major expansion projects so these nation-building projects can proceed without delay.

Getting the job done promises a clear return on investment: $3 billion returned to the economy for every billion invested. Ultimately, federal investment in transit will generate genuine triple wins for Canadians; not just economic growth, but more livable communities and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The FCM plan also recommends the federal government work with the FCM to develop a merit-based program through the Social Infrastructure Fund focused on the renewal of sport, recreation and cultural infrastructure, with flexible funding guidelines. With predictable federal funding, cities are ready to get to work renewing parks, arenas, community centres and other local hubs.

Budget 2016 will not only move forward the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure, but is also a new beginning for federal-municipal collaboration. The FCM plan highlights how a strong federal-municipal partnership can deliver smart investments that address local priorities and tackle national challenges. This means doing things differently, more efficiently and more predictably.

By working effectively together, our communities will thrive, as will Canada. On Tuesday, the new government will table its first budget. I believe we have a great opportunity to show Canadians their elected leaders are listening and working together to create real jobs, growth and more livable communities.

Jenny Gerbasi is councillor for the Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry ward and second vice president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.