The primary objective of this study is to identify and assess various alternatives for financing municipal infrastructure and closing the infrastructure deficits in western Canada's largest cities. The study will answer a number of questions:
■ Why have infrastructure deficits appeared?
■ Do Canadians sense a problem? What is the current public opinion on potential solutions?
■ What are the traditional sources of municipal capital financing, and what is their potential to close infrastructure deficits? Can these sources of capital financing be employed differently or more effectively?
■ What other options need to be considered, how do they work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages? What are some of the barriers to implementing alternative financing sources? Is there a need for systemic reform in municipal financing?