OSWCA Applauds Infrastructure Investment but is Disappointed with the Lack of Full-cost Pricing for Water and Wastewater in the 2012 Ontario Budget

TORONTO, March 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) has worked with the Government of Ontario to ensure that they maintain infrastructure investment levels and are pleased that they have listened to industry advice.

Joe Accardi, Executive Director of the OSWCA said "We are delighted that the Ontario governments $35 billion over 3 year's infrastructure spending commitment has been restated and that there is an understanding that infrastructure investment creates sustainability and is a key component that generates economic benefits.

Although we applaud the governments continued commitment to infrastructure spending, we are disappointed that the recommendation from the Drummond Report to implement full-cost pricing for water and wastewater was not addressed. The government needs to work with municipalities to move towards full-cost pricing and asset management plans. Both are necessary to ensure the sustainability of clean water and environmentally responsible wastewater systems. The OSWCA and its members will continue to work with both provincial and municipal governments to ensure that they understand the essential need to implement full-cost pricing models.

Further to the infrastructure spending commitment, the government has planned an expansion of Infrastructure Ontario (IO).  Reports indicate that projects have been delivered on time and on budget and therefore IO will focus on expanding AFP modeling to a wider range of projects and sectors. "However AFP project bundling still remains a concern for the OSWCA and we will continue to work with IO to that our members can effectively compete to deliver infrastructure projects across Ontario." said Mark Van Bree, President of the OSWCA.

Modern and reliable infrastructure drives Ontario's economy.  It contributes to Ontario's wealth and productivity, and it helps attract investment and create jobs.  Infrastructure also shapes communities, improves the standard of living, and allows the province to remain competitive.

OSWCA 905-629-7766