Edmonton – Alberta’s urban municipalities are heartened by the federal government’s commitment to long term infrastructure funding which spans transit, water and waste water, climate change, affordable housing and broadband.
“Municipalities have shovel ready and shovel worthy projects that will support Alberta’s economic growth, environmental stewardship and wellbeing of our citizens” says AUMA President Lisa Homes. “The federal commitment will enable prudent planning of priority infrastructure needs, while creating much needed jobs,” said Holmes.
AUMA appreciates that the government has increased its share of transit and water and wastewater funding to 50 per cent and hopes the province will be equally receptive to making a significant contribution in the upcoming provincial budget. In addition to the federal commitment to affordable housing, AUMA is calling on the province to reinstate its grant in lieu of taxes on social housing and to consider inclusionary zoning to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Alberta’s $347 million for transit will help many urban areas deal with traffic congestion and reduce GhGs. As well, municipalities welcomed the federal $250 million investment in water and wastewater funding which will enable much needed upgrades to aging infrastructure.
The provision of affordable broadband for all Alberta’s municipalities continues to be a priority for AUMA. “We appreciate the federal investment in broadband,” said Holmes “This is a significant barrier to the economic growth and connectivity in small communities across Alberta. We have urged the federal and provincial governments to work with AUMA to organize a symposium where practical solutions can be developed by our respective orders of government and with industry.”
AUMA looks forward to working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities which was allocated $50 million to support municipal asset management capacity building.
About AUMA
Founded in 1905, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association represents all of Alberta’s urban municipalities, including cities, towns, villages, summer villages and specialized municipalities, representing over 85% of Albertans. A dynamic and evolving association, AUMA advocates on behalf of members to provincial and federal government, as well as other stakeholder organizations.