Comment: Partnering for progress: Solving B.C.’s infrastructure crisis
A commentary by the CEO of Concert Infrastructure and board director of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships.
British Columbia’s growing infrastructure crisis is being felt across the province. While our rising population fuels increased demand for new public infrastructure, public assets such as schools, hospitals, water and transit systems are in desperate need of investment and repair.
Governments are tasked with the immense challenge of maintaining aging facilities while delivering new projects, all while navigating labour shortages and budget constraints.
Without innovative, cost-effective solutions, the gap between infrastructure needs and available funding will only grow wider, putting critical public services at risk and additional pressure on taxpayers.
Victoria is grappling with aging infrastructure systems, including stormwater pump stations, recreation facilities, schools and bridges.
To address these challenges, and other issues facing residents, the city has proposed a 12.17% property tax increase for 2025 — the largest in more than a decade — translating to an additional $376 for the average residential property and $1,001 increase for a typical business.
At the same time, residents could see an increase in utility fees in Victoria before 2029.
Meanwhile, infrastructure projects continue to be delayed and over budget. For example, the Cowichan District Hospital development in Duncan, initially estimated at $350 million, has ballooned to more than $1.4........
© Times Colonist
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