11/20/2012 10:11:53 PM

November 16, 2012

City of Toronto recommendations on the Federal Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

The City of Toronto has submitted its recommendations to the federal government regarding its Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (LTIP). Toronto's submission, which outlines priority investments for the city, is consistent with the recommendations recently released by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Big City Mayors' Caucus.

"Toronto is Canada's largest city, and the 5th largest city in North America. The economy and quality of life for Toronto ¬¬- and municipalities across the country - depends on well-maintained and modern infrastructure," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Focusing on priority investments to improve our core economic and transportation infrastructure will help ensure we remain competitive in a global economy."

The federal government has committed more than $1 billion in funding to Toronto under its current Building Canada and Economic Action plans. This funding, which has significantly helped to address some of Toronto's infrastructure needs, expires in 2014.

"Aging infrastructure, congestion and the repair and maintenance of community facilities are issues that we continue to face," said Mayor Ford. "The federal government's decision to introduce a long-term infrastructure plan is good news for municipalities and will help create the conditions for continued infrastructure investment and economic growth into the future."

Toronto's submission focuses on both core economic infrastructure and major transportation infrastructure. It also proposes expanding opportunities for the local selection of projects and indexing the Gas Tax Fund allocation to inflation. Toronto's recommendations are in keeping and supportive of those of its key partners, including the Province of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Big City Mayors' Caucus. To view Toronto's submission to the Government of Canada, please see http://www.toronto.ca/newsroom/pdf/toronto_ltip_submission.pdf .