The president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Geoff Stewart, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades across the country following a series of water pipe breaks in cities like Calgary and Montreal. Stewart emphasized that Canada’s infrastructure is aging and in need of extensive work to prevent future catastrophic failures. In response to the recent water main breaks, Calgary has implemented water restrictions and plans to reinforce a 10-kilometre section of pipe in northwest Calgary. Stewart’s group has released a report advocating for a municipal growth framework that would provide more funding to municipalities for infrastructure projects.
One engineering professor has warned that the recent water pipe failures in Calgary may be a sign of what other Canadian cities can expect in the coming years, especially those in cold climates. The professor emphasized the importance of learning from these incidents to prevent similar disasters in the future. A 2020 report found that a significant portion of Canada’s water, sewer, and stormwater pipes are nearing the end of their useful life, with many built before 1970. The average expected lifespan of new underground pipes ranges from 50 to 73 years, highlighting the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure.
Stadnyk pointed out that Calgary’s unique climate poses additional challenges for its infrastructure, as weather fluctuations can put added pressure on pipes. She noted that there were likely warning signs of the pipe failure in Calgary, including the breaking of steel tensioned reinforcing wires. The city has been using acoustic monitoring devices to track the health of its pipes, with plans to upgrade to a more advanced fibre optic system. The failure of the monitoring system to detect the wire snaps underscores the need for improved infrastructure monitoring technologies.
Stewart called for changes to federal and provincial funding formulas to provide municipalities with more resources for infrastructure upgrades. He highlighted the disproportionate burden on municipalities, with limited revenue sources beyond property taxes. Stewart suggested that Ottawa and the provinces could raise additional revenue through income tax or sales tax hikes to support infrastructure investments. He stressed the importance of addressing the critical state of infrastructure across Canada and engaging in conversations about funding solutions.
The recent infrastructure failures in Calgary and Montreal have raised concerns about the state of Canada’s infrastructure and the need for immediate action. The incidents have prompted calls for increased funding and support for municipalities to address aging infrastructure and prevent future disasters. As cities across the country face similar challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of investing in infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety and resilience of Canada’s communities. By learning from past failures and implementing proactive measures, municipalities can work towards a more sustainable and reliable infrastructure system for the future.
