RCCAO responds to Ontario Budget Act on promises for infrastructure investment
by CM staff
RCCAO welcomes the Ontario Government’s continued investment in critical infrastructure.
Vaughan —The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) responds and welcomes the Ontario Government’s continued investment in critical infrastructure. The 2023 Ontario Budget builds on the progress made to expand Ontario’s transportation network and supports the province’s growing population.
The budget announcement of $27.9 billion over 10 years to advance the planning and construction of highway expansion and rehabilitation projects across the province is crucial. Building Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and other highway improvements will enable the faster movement of people and goods across the province, adding new infrastructure to the fastest-growing regions.
The budget’s allocation of $70.5 billion for public transit infrastructure, including the Ontario Line and Scarborough Subway extension, will help grow transit-oriented communities in the most densely populated region.
“The funding to advance the Ontario Line, Bradford Bypass, and Highway 413 will help move people and goods faster, create new jobs, and better connect communities,” said Nadia Todorova, Executive Director of RCCAO. “By investing in building infrastructure today, the Ontario Government is laying the foundation for Ontario’s continued economic development and prosperity of tomorrow.”
As Ontario’s economy and population grows, demand will increase on all infrastructure, from transit, highways, roads, bridges, water and wastewater to housing.
RCCAO announced it is pleased to see significant investments to recruit and train a new generation of builders, including the $224 million investment this year in the Skills Development Fund, including in union training halls to train the next generation of builders to help solve Ontario’s housing crisis.
“Ontario’s 2023 budget continues to show a clear commitment to the skilled trades through ongoing support of the industry’s efforts to recruit more people and provide them the training they need to succeed,” said Mike Gallagher, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793. “In addition, the government’s platform to continue tackling affordability and the housing crisis is of particular importance to our members, who are on the front lines every day building the homes, hospitals, and roads that will not only allow the province to keep going but will also improve the lives of everyone who makes Ontario their home.”
