Increasing Funding And Making Infrastructure 'Sexy'

"Canadians better start twigging to the notion that our national architecture is massively in need of a makeover because our quality of life and economic growth are on the line."

"Politicians want to be seen pouring cash into crime prevention (though crime rates are dropping) because it's popular. They're keen to invest in university research and innovation because it makes them appear forward-looking. But cutting a ribbon to open a sewage treatment plant? Don't think so."

"Nonetheless, in an Oct. 16 throne speech, the Harper government announced an imminent 'Building Canada Plan,' signalling dollars for 'transport and transit hubs,' such as the Windsor-Detroit corridor and port upgrading in Halifax and on the West Coast."

"The national 'infrastructure deficit,' according to the federation report, totals $60 billion, or about a quarter of last year's entire federal budget. The tab is growing by $2 billion annually."

"Building and paying for an item like transit requires funding and planning over decades: 'We must start now,' the report warns. But how can cities commit to long-term projects without long-term financing?"