Dire need for investment in Canada’s road infrastructure

Canadian roads are expected to remain significantly underfunded over the next five years, according to a KPMG report.

Canadian road expenditure is predicted to grow by an average of 1% per year between 2009 and 2013, taking the total expenditure in 2013 to US$14.9 billion, KPMG says in its report, Trend Monitor: North American Road, Outlook 2009-2013.

“North American roads, particularly those in Canada, are faced with two major challenges –scarcity and congestion,” said Stephen Beatty, partner and head of global infrastructure for KPMG in North America.

The report also finds that four of Canada’s provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec) are expected to continue to represent nearly 90% of the country’s road investment.

“As Canada struggles to find ways to fund major, strategic infrastructure projects in the midst of a massive global financial crisis, it’s important that we approach the challenge holistically,” added Beatty. “It’s not about a new bridge here or a toll road there, but how to spend money wisely so the benefits can be enjoyed by subsequent generations to come.

“These infrastructure investments present both an opportunity and a responsibility that should not be ignored.”