Infrastructure Canada

4 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 provinces and territories, municipalities, and Indigenous governments, as well as through direct-delivery programs, we are developing innovative means to get infrastructure built for Canadians, and ensuring our investments correspond to local priorities. These include the Canada Infrastructure Bank, whose $10-billion Growth Plan is investing in five priority sectors: public transit; clean power; green infrastructure; broadband; and trade and transportation projects. It is transforming how infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is a valuable tool to help public dollars go further while leveraging innovative financing tools to get more infrastructure built for Canadians. Safe and efficient public transit systems shorten commutes, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and build more inclusive communities. Our public transit programs are designed to promote sustainable and modern public transit systems while advancing transit projects of national importance as well as those that contribute significantly to economic, environmental and social outcomes. Since 2015, we have invested more than $13 billion in over 1,300 projects across the country. In January of this year, we launched calls for applications for new public transit projects through the $2.75-billion Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), the $400-million Active Transportation Fund (ATF) and the $250-million Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). The ZETF will support the electrification of public transit and school bus fleets, including the purchase of zero emission buses, and building supporting infrastructure. The ATF will make funds available to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, as well as support Active Transportation planning and stakeholder engagement activities. And the RTSF will support the development of locally driven transit solutions for rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada understands the need for predictability when it comes to public transit funding, so that communities can continue to develop and maintain their transit systems. Over the coming months, we will work with provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, transit agencies, policy experts and other stakeholders to develop an approach to permanent public transit funding that offers the greatest benefits to Canadians. The new permanent public transit funding announced in February 2021 will provide $5.9 billion over 5 years and $3 billion per year starting in 2026-27. Permanent public transit funding is a key opportunity to address shared challenges, such as increasing the supply and affordability of housing, building sustainable communities, and fighting against climate change, in keeping with our commitments in Budget 2022 and the Emissions Reduction Plan. Green infrastructure is a key component of our efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. Without investments to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, our productivity will lag, and people will be left behind. That is why we are investing in natural infrastructure, less energy- intensive buildings, and clean power. We continue to work towards our commitment of getting Canada to net-zero emissions by 2050, helping communities across the country address climate- related challenges and build a greener future. Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, $9.2 billion has been earmarked for green infrastructure projects, meaning a better access to clean drinking water, cleaner air, and greener, more sustainable communities. Photo Credit: Matt Hanns Schroeter