Ottawa Report – May 6, 2024

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The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent Monday, May 13.

Latest News

Report on Greening of Building Materials in Public Infrastructure

On April 30, the Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner released an audit report on the Greening of Building Materials in Public Infrastructure. The report found that to increase Canada’s chances of achieving its 2030 and 2050 climate commitments, the federal government needs to speed up its work to include embodied carbon considerations in the materials used in public infrastructure construction.

The federal government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% relative to the 2005 level by 2030, but it is not on track to achieve that objective. Construction and construction materials emissions represent 11% of Canada’s total emissions. The federal government had an opportunity to use monies allocated to public infrastructure spending—from both the infrastructure it acquires and the infrastructure it finances—to reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials.

The audit found that the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Infrastructure Canada did not use their public infrastructure procurement and financing capacity effectively to prioritize using construction materials with a lower carbon footprint. From 2006 to 2016, improvements in energy efficiency reduced emissions from infrastructure, but it was not until 2017 that the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat addressed the issue of reducing the environmental impact of construction materials. Since then, progress has been made, but it is too slow, given Canada’s climate goals.

For example, the secretariat established the Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction in December 2022, but as of now, the standard applies only to ready-mix concrete. Public Services and Procurement Canada has not finished incorporating the requirements of the standard into its infrastructure procurement process. Meanwhile, Infrastructure Canada has begun—in a limited way—to integrate considerations of the embodied carbon of construction materials into its funding programs.

Parliamentary Business

Budget Implementation Bill is Presented

On May 2, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance presented Bill C-69, which will implement certain provisions of the recent federal budget. The bill will begin debate on Monday, May 6, at second reading. With the NDP having signalled their continued support for the supply-and-confidence agreement with the minority Liberals, the confidence votes on the budget mean that there will not be a snap election called at this time. Budget 2024 launched a key piece of funding for public infrastructure, the new $6 billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, to accelerate the construction and upgrading of critical housing infrastructure. This includes water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure to support the construction of more homes.

Federal Funding Awarded

$2.1 Million from GCIB Program for Stanstead Arts Centre

The federal Green and Inclusive Buildings program is delivering $2.1 million in funding to renovate the Théâtre Sans Frontières in Stanstead, Quebec, which will be able to host a greater variety of shows, film screenings, exhibitions, conferences, and other cultural events. Announced by the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, this project will benefit the residents of Stanstead by enriching its cultural life, offering educational and artistic opportunities, strengthening social ties, and improving local infrastructure. The project will include the modernization of the auditorium with the addition of 320 seats and a retractable screen for film presentations. A mezzanine will also be outfitted to accommodate Stanstead College students and will accommodate the entire programming of the Arts Centre and several community groups. Finally, the electrical and mechanical systems will be modernized to ensure efficient and sustainable building operation.

$36 Million from Infrastructure and Heritage for Orleans Community Centre

Through a $36 million investment, the federal government is redeveloping the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) community center. Announced by the Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages; Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Orléans; and Jean-François Born, Chair, MIFO Board of Directors, this project will enhance the capacity of MIFO to deliver an expanded range of services and programs in French to the local community. Designed to be net-zero carbon, the innovative facility will house a gymnasium, auditorium, classrooms, indoor running track, art gallery, meeting rooms, and more, providing space for recreational activities that help foster a sense of togetherness.

Over $900k From GCIB Program for Calgary Facility

The South Fish Creek Complex in Calgary will receive energy upgrades after an investment of $979,800 from the federal government. Announced by MP George Chahal and Shannon Doram, President and CEO of YMCA Calgary, this project will extend the lifespan and improve the facility’s energy efficiency. The South Fish Creek Complex has been responding to the needs of Calgarians for over 20 years. This retrofit will improve the facility’s air quality and energy efficiency, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing the systems that help the complex function, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide important services and programs that meet the needs of children, youth, newcomers, and residents of all ages and backgrounds.

$6.8 Million for Active Transportation in Courtenay

A $2.5 million federal contribution from the Active Transportation Fund, along with $1 million from the province of British Columbia and $3.3 million from the City of Courtenay, will go toward providing cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized transportation users with a key connection from the bottom of 6th Street to Simms Millennium Park and the extensive trail networks on both sides of the Courtenay River.

Wheelchair Accessible Transit in Interlake

The Interlake Region of Manitoba will benefit from on-demand public transit with an investment of $97,971 from the federal government. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser and Reeve Brian N. Johnson, this project will provide residents, including seniors and persons with disabilities, with accessible public transportation options for their day-to-day activities, such as attending medical appointments.

Victoria EV Charging Ports Get $8.7 Million

Electric vehicles (EVs) will be getting a boost from the hundreds of public EV charging ports that will be installed throughout the Capital Regional District (CRD) after a combined investment of more than $8.7 million from the federal and provincial governments, the CRD, and the City of Victoria. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister George Heyman, and CRD Board Chair Colin Plant, the increase in public charging ports will make charging electric vehicles more convenient for thousands of people in Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Island. This project will make it easier for people to opt for EVs that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help British Columbians breathe cleaner air.

Fire Hall—Museum Conversion in Thorold

Thorold’s historical artifacts are about to get an upgraded, modernized home thanks to a joint investment of more than $7.8 million from the federal and municipal governments. Announced by Parliamentary Secretary Vance Badawey and Mayor Terry Ugulini, this project will convert the retired Fire Station 1 into an energy-efficient, climate-controlled cultural hub that will protect and preserve the history of Thorold. Fire Station 1 is moving to a new, modern facility that will leave behind a vacant facility that will house the Thorold Historical Museum and Cultural Centre. The former fire hall will act as a catalyst for future investment and interest in Thorold’s downtown and become an important meeting place for the community.

Active Transportation Improvements in Vaughan

A combined investment of $16 million will construct cycle tracks, sidewalks, and traffic signals on Jane Street, a major arterial road in Vaughan. Announced by MP Francesco Sorbara and Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, this project will improve safety, accessibility, and traffic flow along Jane Street. Between Highway 7 and Teston Road, Jane Street will be upgraded by adding eight kilometres of cycle tracks on both sides of the road; four kilometres of new sidewalks, to complete areas along the road where sidewalks are missing; and new streetlights.

$3.1 Million for Multifunctional Cultural Centre in Beaconsfield

Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Karine Boivin Roy, Member for Anjou-Louis-Riel, on behalf of Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister responsible for Youth and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, announced a joint investment of $3,109,608 for the library of the multifunctional cultural centre in Beaconsfield.