Ottawa, Jan. 14, 2009—The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today released a list of more than 1,000 infrastructure projects that would be ready to go as early as this spring if federal funding is made available.

The list of shovel-ready projects was derived from a survey of FCM members conducted over the last six weeks and includes simple rehabilitation to major new construction. If fully funded, these infrastructure projects would create over 150,000 jobs.

“Last October, we released a study showing that infrastructure spending is the best stimulus tool around and we said that hundreds of municipal infrastructure projects would be ready to go this spring if they received federal funding. Today we are releasing a snapshot that illustrates the scope of municipal needs and our capacity to put infrastructure dollars to work now,” said FCM President, Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perrault. 

“We can see from this list that the federal government can invest in projects that will not only create jobs now but boost Canada´s competitiveness, improve our environment and enhance our quality of life for generations to come,” added Perrault.

But Perrault also cautioned that a faster federal infrastructure program was needed if the projects were to get funding in time to help fight the economic slowdown.

“A significant number of new infrastructure projects must get underway during the 2009 construction season to help counter the recession,” said Perrault. “Municipal governments are ready to do their part to help the federal government get infrastructure dollars into action fast.”

FCM says the best way to do that is for the federal government to adopt the Gas Tax Fund model as the way to flow money into these projects quickly so cities and communities can get started on new infrastructure projects, including simple-to-plan repair and rehabilitation.

“There is no time to delay. The present economic crisis demands a quick and innovative response. The federal government must include infrastructure funding in its upcoming stimulus budget, with a mechanism that will get funds to projects in time for the 2009 construction season,” said Perrault.

About the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM):

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901, representing the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. With more than 1,775 members representing 90 per cent of Canadians, FCM members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 18 provincial and territorial municipal associations.

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For further information, visit www.fcm.ca/en/infrastructure.  To arrange interviews, contact Maurice Gingues, 613-907-6395 or mgingues@fcm.ca