Earlier this month, Nelson Mayor John Dooley joined more than 100 municipal leaders from across Canada for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ national board of directors meeting in Laval, Que.
The board discussed how they can work together to support the federation’s Target 2014 campaign for a new federal long-term infrastructure plan.
“The national infrastructure report card supports our position,” said Dooley. “We have been saying for many years that we have an infrastructure problem and that other levels of government need to be part of the solution.”
Dooley cites the number of recent breaks in the city’s water system as clear examples of Nelson’s need for specific infrastructure upgrades.
The board used the meeting to set priorities for the coming year in all areas of municipal interest, including housing, policing, and the environment.
Members were also briefed on the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card, a new report the federation released this month in Ottawa.
The report card, which was undertaken in partnership with major national industry associations, is the first attempt in Canada to comparatively rate municipal infrastructure such as roads and water systems.
“In 2014, $2 billion in federal funding for municipal infrastructure will run out,” said Federation of Canadian Municipalities president Karen Leibovici.
“The new long-term federal plan must be designed to help communities like Nelson meet challenges while creating jobs, building a strong economy, and maintaining a high quality of life for all Canadians.”
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of Canada’s municipalities, speaking for almost 2,000 cities and communities representing 90 per cent of Canada’s population.
The federation’s board of directors is comprised of elected municipal officials and affiliate members from all regions and various-sized communities across the country.