The demand on current infrastructure in British Columbia will increase in the decades to come, and the province’s current plans to address these needs are inadequate, argues the Business Council of BC in a white paper released November 5.
The paper examines ports, roads, telecommunications and education and health care facilities, with an emphasis on transit and transportation. Increasing global economic growth and trade, population growth, technological advances, urbanization and road congestion all mean that the current infrastructure assets will not meet future needs.
In order to address these issues, frameworks for financing, regulatory and planning must be examined, the report argues.
“If we want to enhance B.C.’s competitive position, we cannot be complacent about infrastructure,” said BCBC president and CEO Greg D’Avignon. “Despite BC having made substantial investments in large public assets that have served the province and its citizens well, sustained investment in infrastructure is needed to keep B.C. competitive, grow our economy, enhance well-being, and protect the environment.
“Just as importantly, we need to shift from processes that are hampered by individual interests and politicized approaches to governance and decision making, to one marked by timeliness, cooperation, and regional economic planning that aligns with provincial and national interests.”
The report makes specific recommendations, including developing of a long-term strategy addressing B.C.’s infrastructure planning process and creating an infrastructure fund to be administered by a “stand-alone” agency.
The BCBC also recommends expanding user fees, which would include tolling, across Metro Vancouver.
The paper will be presented at the BC Business Summit November 7. Speakers at this even will include Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond and former Quebec premier Jean Charest.
