Government Support for Small Municipalities to Complete Asset Management Plans is an Important Step Forward
TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - The Ontario Sewer & Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) strongly supports the government's movement forward on municipal Asset Management Planning (AMP). Today's announcement by Minister of Infrastructure, Monte McNaughton, demonstrates the government's commitment to responsible, evidence-based investments in infrastructure, while also recognizing the need for support for small municipalities to meet their new regulatory requirements.
"For years, the province has been making long-term financial decisions around its infrastructure investments under tremendous uncertainty," said Giovanni Cautillo, Executive Director of the OSWCA. "Pressing forward with regulated asset management plans will establish a much more reliable picture of its investment needs in municipalities across the province. This is particularly the case in small municipalities, where information on the state of infrastructure assets is often lacking."
Regulated AMPs will help to inform the province about the state of each municipalities infrastructure and allow the province, at a glance, to evaluate how municipalities are managing their assets. It will also allow the province to better understand where alternative financing techniques are warranted (regionally or based on asset class) and help to inform government infrastructure spending priorities based on need.
"This announcement shows the Ford government is serious about closing the gap on our provincial infrastructure deficit," says Larry Taylor, President of the OSWCA. "Having full participation in the asset management planning process will provide greater transparency on the current state, financial viability, and risks associated with existing infrastructure across the province. It will also provide us a very clear picture of where we need to invest and when. It will mean more accountable spending and will ensure we are getting the most out of our existing investments."
The Ontario Sewer & Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) fosters health and safety, professionalism, ethical processes, sound infrastructure investments, good governance and fiscal responsibility on behalf of Ontario's sewer and watermain construction industry.
SOURCE Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association
Patrick McManus, Director of Government Relations and Communications, OSWCA, [email protected] or 905-629-7766 ext. 222
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