January 15, 2009

Highlights of the “shovel ready” project list

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities reports that there are $13.7 billion worth of shovel-ready projects across Canada. Here are five examples of Canadian municipalities with projects that are ready to go, should money be made available in the upcoming budget.

Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia, has approximately $31.9 million in infrastructure projects that are shovel ready. Work on these projects would create about 364 jobs. The District operates 11 water systems and two sewer systems. Local officials are currently waiting for decisions on Building Canada Fund applications related to four water systems. Also, several other water and sewer projects could be initiated within three to six months.

Regina, Saskatchewan, has approximately $150 million worth of shovel-ready projects that could result in 1,714 new jobs. Among the projects are a large inland port project that requires capital investment to construct municipal services, as well as numerous water and sewer engineering projects. Other shovel-ready projects include a bridge upgrade and municipal building improvements.

Kitchener, Ontario has approximately $16.9 million worth of shovel-ready projects that could result in 193 new jobs. The infrastructure improvements would range from storm water management and drainage, to roads and sidewalks.

Municipalité de Saint-Pacôme, Quebec, has approximately $5.7 million in shovel-ready projects that could generate 66 jobs. Among the projects are a bridge repair project; several road rehabilitation projects and a water and wastewater project.

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, has $4.8 million in construction-ready projects that could generate 55 new jobs. The replacement of a sanitary sewer; the upgrading of a wastewater treatment plant; road rehabilitation; and town hall renovations are some of the shovel-ready projects.

• Vince Versace

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