Urban Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Canada

Abstract

The results of a survey conducted for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on the condition of urban infrastructure in Canadian cities and towns are presented. The major emphasis was on roads, bridges, sewage collection and treatment, and water distribution and treatment systems. The Canadian findings are also compared with the reported U.S. situation. Although not as serious as in the U.S. cities, the survey shows that a significant decline has occurred in the condition of some infrastructure Systems in Canadian urban areas. Costs to bring the most seriously deteriorated components of infrastructure (roads, bridges, sewer, and water systems) back to acceptable levels are high. Even when spread over a 10‐year recovery period, these costs will require an increase in current public works budgets of about 25%.