• Water-supply infrastructure will need a major investment in the future, representing the largest share of new capital needs. Capacity may be an issue in growing communities. Constructing new water-supply networks may be more feasible than rehabilitating existing ones that have deteriorated. These needs will be greater in larger municipalities, which have older underground infrastructure. Stormwater systems are not widely used in Canada, and generally stormwater and wastewater share the same piping system, placing a large burden on treatment plants. In view of new, more stringent environmental regulations, some municipalities may consider it to be more feasible to expand their stormwater system or separate it completely from the wastewater system. Considerable funds will be required in this area. In addition, waste-water and combined sewers are approaching the end of their service life. Much of this infrastructure was built during the Canadian industrial boom of the 1960s. Smaller communities also have considerable needs for new water and wastewater system projects.
• Transportation infrastructure is deteriorating in a highly accelerated manner, and several failures have been recorded before facilities reached the end of their service life. Although significant funding gaps exist for repair and rehabilitation of current assets, there is a pressing need to build new infrastructure for increased capacity, loading and safety. The needs are estimated at $28.5 billion.
• Transit is the best solution to traffic congestion in larger urban areas. Moreover, the suburbs of large urban areas will also need effective transit systems. This orientation is also driven by the public awareness and preoccupation with climate change. The needs in this area are $7.7 billion.
• Cultural, social and recreational facilities are facing a large funding gap. However, some municipalities have already allocated funds for expansion or construction of major facilities. This investment need will be reduced once all needed facilities have been constructed. Future needs in this category are $18 billion.
• New waste-management needs are estimated at $4.3 billion. Some facilities dealing with waste management have been designed using sustainability-based criteria, and this trend may continue in the future. However, the new needs in this area could increase considerably, due in part to stricter future environmental regulations.