May 25, 2005
TORONTO—The release of the McGuinty government's long-term plan for infrastructure investment will launch a renaissance for Ontario's public facilities, Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan said today.
"This government is planning and investing strategically for population and economic growth," Caplan said. "Our five-year infrastructure investment plan will help us construct the highways, hospitals, classrooms and public transit we need to protect public health, strengthen our communities and provide the public services we all require."
Underinvestment and neglect by previous governments has allowed our critical public infrastructure to deteriorate. The five-year plan, called ReNew Ontario, shows how the McGuinty government will correct this infrastructure deficit, and prepare for future growth by concentrating on the priorities Ontarians say are most important: healthcare, education and economic prosperity.
Over the next five years, the government and its partners will invest more than $30 billion in public infrastructure, including:
- Approximately $5 billion for health care projects, including 105 hospital projects
- More than $10 billion to improve elementary and secondary schools and renew postsecondary facilities
- About $11.4 billion to improve public transit, highways, border crossings and other transportation systems
"Local 183 is thrilled with this announcement - not only will this investment plan result in lots of construction jobs but it will also be a major boost to Ontario's economy," said spokesperson Andy Manahan. "Our construction union is very supportive of efforts to expedite infrastructure investment and this plan shows the way."
The government has also reformed the systems used to plan, build, finance and manage public infrastructure, to get better use of existing facilities, and to ensure that new projects are completed on time and on budget, and provide the promised public benefits.
Over the next 24 months, 72 hospital projects and over 50 highway expansion projects will be at various stages of construction and completion.
"We need to build our infrastructure better, smarter and faster," Caplan said. "We have reformed the system to get better value from the money we invest, and to make sure we have the infrastructure we need to maintain our quality of life, and sustain our economic growth."
"Ontario building trades are supportive of this revised process which will get much needed services and infrastructure online sooner with the added bonus of creating many construction jobs across Ontario," said Patrick J. Dillon, business manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council.
"Infrastructure investment of this magnitude is critical to a robust and successful economy," added Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "We applaud the government for this plan."
The Ontario Hospital Association also endorsed the infrastructure plan. "We welcome this significant investment in the modernization of hospital infrastructure in Ontario," said Hilary Short, CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association. "Investing in hospital capital development is an investment in the future of patient care services in the province."
The government's five-year infrastructure investment plan, ReNew Ontario, is available at www.pir.gov.on.ca.
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For further information:
Wilson Lee
Minister's Office
416-325-8735
Jim McPeak
Communications Branch
416-212-7499
