Meeting the challenge of providing the public infrastructure we need will require careful management and flexibility. A range of models is available to plan, finance and procure public infrastructure initiatives. Choosing the right model for a given initiative should be done in a systematic and principled manner. All models must be examined and evaluated in the context of fundamental principles that protect and promote the public interest.
The following principles have been developed to guide public infrastructure development in the province. These principles make it clear that the public interest is to come first in any and all activities related to public infrastructure. These principles are the foundation upon which the government will bring about real, positive change in public infrastructure planning, financing and procurement policies and practices.
All public-sector partners will be required to pursue a balanced, pragmatic approach to infrastructure renewal, guided by five fundamental principles:
• Protection of the Public Interest: The public interest is paramount in the government's infrastructure renewal plan. All public infrastructure initiatives should be delivered efficiently; protect and promote public health and safety; ensure high-quality public services; and be accessible to all Ontarians.
• Value for Money: Ontarians expect and deserve value for their tax dollars. All public infrastructure investments should be cost-effective, optimize risk allocation, and be completed on time and within budget. There must be safeguards against financial returns that are not proportional to the associated risk where private financing is involved in the delivery of public infrastructure initiatives.
• Appropriate Public Control/Ownership: Appropriate public control/ownership of public assets must be preserved. In particular, consistent with the principle of appropriate ownership/control, the framework states that public ownership of assets will be preserved in the hospital, water/sewer, and public school sectors.
• Accountability: Stakeholders involved in delivering public infrastructure initiatives must be accountable. Public infrastructure initiatives should have clear lines of responsibility and accountability, rigorous and transparent reporting and oversight requirements, and clear, measurable performance measures.
• Fair, Transparent and Efficient Processes: The processes facilitating the development of public infrastructure initiatives must be fair, transparent and efficient. All public infrastructure initiatives should have efficient and fair bidding processes, and contractual agreements that are based on clear, comprehensive guidelines and full public disclosure.
These principles should be considered and explicitly referenced in all infrastructure proposals. The government will evaluate all public infrastructure investment proposals based on the application of these fundamental principles.