The Canadian government has appointed an 11-member advisory body to provide expert guidance on key infrastructure requirements to support housing production. The newly appointed council will focus on water, wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management to launch an envisioned research repository and think tank to be known as the National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA).
The group has been tasked with compiling data, conducting research and analysis and drawing on their own insights and networks relating to planning, funding, building and maintaining infrastructure in various regions throughout Canada. Their work is expected to inform federal decision-making and also serve up infrastructure planning resources for provincial/territorial and local governments and other potential investors.
“A National Infrastructure Assessment will help communities across the country plan for infrastructure they will need in the future, while ensuring that it can support a growing population and is resilient to the impacts of climate change,” says Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Jennifer Angel, chief executive officer of Evergreen Canada, a national non-profit facilitator of public spaces, will serve as the council’s chair. Previously, she was the president and chief executive officer of the provincial Crown corporation, Develop Nova Scotia.
“By harnessing data and evidence, the NIA will enable communities to plan and invest for the long-term so they can grow and thrive now and into the future,” she says. “I’m honoured to be working alongside the council to deliver an NIA that will be a useful tool so that infrastructure operators, owners and investors can make decisions with confidence to contribute to strong and resilient infrastructure across Canada.”
Peter Weltman, director and proprietor of the data analysis and cost engineering firm, Technomics Inc., will serve as vice-chair. He is also Ontario’s former financial accountability officer.
“A key reason for an NIA is to ensure each dollar is invested in a way that effectively contributes to productivity and economic growth, and that improves the quality of life of our growing population,” he observes.
Other council members bring expertise in housing research, climate resilience, transportation, architecture and planning, community development and infrastructure design and delivery. Their work will be in a part-time capacity for a term ending on March 31, 2027.
