YORKTON - Yorkton Councillor Randy Goulden asked for support for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities call for federal commitment in infrastructure through a sustainable Municipal Growth Framework during the March 18, regular meeting of Council.
“As Canada experiences record population growth, an intensifying housing and homelessness crisis and a soaring cost of living, the need for sustainable solutions is increasingly urgent.
Life is harder than it should be in Canada. Cities and communities that support our quality of life with the services and infrastructure they provide are facing a debilitating infrastructure funding gap precisely when our residents need support the most.
The conclusion of the 10-year Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the lack of follow-on programs has left communities vulnerable. There is no sign of a new infrastructure plan, let alone one that enables the growth and corresponding housing development that is being targeted nationally,” detailed the motion material circulated to Council.
The report suggested action is required now.
“The delay of initiatives like the Permanent Public Transit Fund, set to start only in 2026, and the ongoing renegotiation and new added uncertainty of the Canada Community-Building Fund, which communities rely on to fund core infrastructure, directly affects Canadians. It stalls progress on efficient transit systems, well-maintained community spaces and access to affordable and accessible housing,” it stated.
Despite promises made at the FCM's Annual Conference last June, where the Prime Minister committed to a new federal-provincial-territorial infrastructure plan by Fall 2023, Canadians are still waiting, it continued.
With that in mind Goulden sought Council’s support for a motion with three main resolutions:
- That the federal government work with agreement signatories and municipalities to maintain the CCBF as a source of direct, predictable, long-term funding for local infrastructure priorities; and be it further,
- That the federal government commit, in Budget 2024, to the next generation of infrastructure programs, including a new program for water and wastewater infrastructure and an increase to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund; and be it further,
- That the federal government convene provinces, territories and municipalities to negotiate a “Municipal Growth Framework” to modernize the way that municipalities are funded in order to enable Canada’s long-term growth.
Council was unanimous is giving their support.
