Increasing Funding And Making Infrastructure 'Sexy'

The Canadian government has recently announced a plan to improve spending on transit, but with a shortfall of more than $60 billion, many are calling on the government to focus on other less "sexy" infrastructure projects.

1 minute read

October 31, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"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?"

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in The Vancouver Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Cobblestone street with vintage street lamps in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah Reduces Speed Limits on Almost 100 City Streets

The historic Georgia city is lowering speed limits in an effort to reduce road fatalities.

May 20 - WJCL

Sign for Loma Alta Park in Altadena, Los Angeles County.

A Park Reborn: Resilience and Renewal in Fire-Stricken Altadena

Rebuilt in just two months after the devastating Eaton Fire, Loma Alta Park now stands as a symbol of community resilience and renewal, even as some residents hope recovery efforts will continue to support housing stability and long-term equity.

May 20 - Pasadena NOw

Colorful historic homes in Madrid, Spain.

Spain Moves to Ban 66,000 Airbnbs

The national government is requiring the short-term rental operator to remove thousands of illegal listings from its site as part of an effort to stem a growing housing crisis.

May 20 - The New York Times

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.