The Challenge

After years of underinvestment, much of Ontario’s infrastructure has deteriorated and is outdated.

Ontario’s hospitals, on average are more than 40 years old.

Provincial highways are in need of repair and expansion to accommodate growth and stimulate economic activity.

Many water pipes in cities like Toronto and Ottawa were installed in the 1800s.

And many of Ontario’s schools were built in the 1920s.

Some jails were built in the 1800s and some of our courthouses are more than 75 years old.

The provincial population is expected to increase by about 4 million over the next 25 years and the proportion of senior citizens over 65 years of age is forecast to grow from 13 per cent to more than 22 per cent in that same period.

Ontario has an infrastructure deficit estimated at more than $100 billion.

The Solutions

The Ontario government is correcting these deficiencies to ensure the province has a healthy, well-educated workforce; accessible, top-quality services; orderly, planned growth for our communities and a vibrant economy.

For the first time, the Ontario government has a strategy to deal with these challenges. It includes four key elements:

• Building a Better Tomorrow Framework puts in place principles to govern the planning, financing and procurement of public infrastructure and to protect the public interest.
   
• ReNew Ontario, a five-year $30 billion plus infrastructure investment plan, directs infrastructure investments to the most important priorities for people: health care, education and economic success.
   
• Infrastructure financing and procurement strategies that leverage both public and private sector expertise and resources and give Ontarians the best value for their tax dollars.
   
• The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe ensures infrastructure investments match growth in the most populated area of the province.