The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent at the end of January.
Latest News
CPWA Meets with Senior Infrastructure Officials and MPs
In December, the CPWA board of directors met with senior officials from the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) to share CPWA’s priorities and to hear more about the government’s new budget initiatives, including the Build Communities Strong Fund. The meeting discussed the allocation of infrastructure funds in the budget, including the Canada Community Building Fund rebranded as the Community Stream of the new program, and the Canada Public Transit Fund.
The impact of US tariffs on Canadian construction costs was highlighted, along with the potential for Canadian procurement to support domestic industries. Challenges in small municipalities, such as infrastructure deficits and high taxes, were noted by CPWA members. The need for better infrastructure to support high-density development and the importance of natural assets in community development were also discussed. This meeting resulted in CPWA getting an advance copy of the methodologies that HICC is considering in order to implement a “Buy Canadian” policy for public works. In the new year, a questionnaire will be distributed to CPWA members to gather more information for this initiative.
CPWA leadership is also meeting with local MPs to continue building awareness for CPWA as a resource for MPs of all political stripes. In December, meetings were held with Manitoba MP Dan Mazier and British Columbia MP Dan Albas, with plans for more meetings in the new year.
National Infrastructure Assessment Report on Assessing Housing-Enabling Infrastructure
The Canadian Infrastructure Council has released Report 1 of the National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA), focusing on public infrastructure systems and the governance, procurement, and financing frameworks that shape their development and delivery. This report integrates population projections, asset conditions, and climate considerations, providing a critical starting point for future planning.
Key findings highlight that infrastructure must be tailored to regional realities, as different parts of Canada face diverse climate pressures. The report notes that building new infrastructure is challenged by constraints such as labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory burdens. However, significant opportunities exist to meet future needs through better use of existing assets, improved planning, and nature-based solutions.
The report recommends prioritizing existing built and natural infrastructure before constructing new assets, strengthening coordination among all partners including all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and establishing a pan-Canadian project pipeline. Finally, it emphasizes building for the future with resilience and data-driven approaches, urging leaders to make forward-looking, evidence-based decisions that account for evolving climate conditions.
Government of Canada Strengthens Federal Emergency Management
The Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience announced new measures to strengthen federal emergency management, including launching a national public and stakeholder engagement on the future federal role in emergency response, opening a new Government Operations Centre to enhance coordination during emergencies, and highlighting Budget 2025 investments to improve preparedness and response, such as upgrades to the National Public Alerting System, additional aerial firefighting capacity, and the creation of a Youth Climate Corps.
Ministers Gather to Discuss Infrastructure Priorities Across Canada
Federal, provincial, and territorial infrastructure ministers met in Toronto to accelerate infrastructure projects and strengthen Canada’s economy. The meeting emphasized collaboration and shared priorities, including the Build Communities Strong Fund, a 10-year, $51 billion investment to revitalize hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, water systems, and transit. Ministers agreed on the urgency of moving quickly and discussed “Buy Canadian” strategies to support jobs and economic independence amid global trade disruptions.
Canada Launches First Phase of the Buy Canadian Policy
The Government of Canada has introduced the first phase of the anticipated Buy Canadian Policy, which applies to federal departments, agencies, and grants programs, and where applicable, Crown Corporations. This policy gives Canadian businesses and Canadian content additional points in bid evaluations for major federal purchases valued at $25 million or more, expanding to $5 million by spring 2026, and requires Canadian-produced steel, aluminum, and wood in large construction and defence contracts where these materials are available. This will have an impact on the development of major projects and housing infrastructure. CPWA is engaging with Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada on the implications of the Buy Canadian policy, and what the practical application looks like in residential construction projects.
Notably, exceptions are allowed only under specific circumstances with ministerial approval. Additional initiatives include a Small and Medium Business Procurement Program launching in spring 2026 to improve access for Canadian SMEs, and full implementation of the Policy on Reciprocal Procurement.
Parliamentary Business
Private Member’s Bill on Flood and Drought Forecasting Advances
Private Member’s Bill C-241, the National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting Act, has passed second reading and will undergo consideration at the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development when the House of Commons resumes. The Bill proposes a national strategy to improve flood and drought forecasting in Canada and notes that damages from floods and droughts are rising due to climate change. The strategy would provide key stakeholders with timely, accurate information using advanced hydrological and water-resource models, building on Canadian expertise and aligning with international best practices.
Federal Funding Awarded
Canada Boosts Aerial Firefighting Capacity
The Government of Canada highlighted a Budget 2025 investment of $257.6 million over four years to lease firefighting aircraft, including potential waterbombers, to strengthen provincial and territorial aerial wildfire response capacity. The investment will enhance national coordination through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, support ground crews, and improve the ability to protect lives, property, and communities from increasingly severe wildfires.
Federal Investment Expands Manitoba’s Emergency Preparedness
The Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience announced that the Community Economic Development and Diversification program will support St. John Ambulance (SJA) with a 3,000 sq. ft. expansion of its Winnipeg facility. This upgrade adds classrooms and training spaces, enabling SJA to train more Manitobans in lifesaving and emergency management skills. The project strengthens Manitoba’s capacity for workplace safety and emergency preparedness, reducing disruptions during crises and building community resilience. This represents a total federal investment of $400,000 under the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program.
Canada Invests in Freshwater Projects
The Government of Canada has announced over $4.5 million in funding for 39 freshwater projects to protect and restore Canada’s water resources. This includes 34 projects under the EcoAction program and five under the Fraser River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Administered by the Canada Water Agency, these programs aim to improve water quality, ecosystem health, and stewardship through sustainable practices, collaboration, and innovation.
Projects funded will enhance biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term freshwater stewardship while creating lasting social and economic benefits. Through the Canada Water Agency, the federal government is strengthening partnerships with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to advance knowledge-sharing and innovative solutions for Canada’s freshwater future.
Canada Supports Public Transit Improvements in the Region of Waterloo
Canada, Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo are partnering to invest in over $291 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream to improve transit access, reduce emissions, and enhance commuter experience. The funding supports construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, which will integrate light rail, GO and VIA services, buses, and active transportation. Additional projects include upgrading bus terminals, purchasing up to 126 hybrid buses, and improving pedestrian paths and accessibility. These investments will create jobs, promote sustainable transit, and connect residents to homes, jobs, and essential services across the Waterloo region.
Canada Explores Hydrogen Fueling Options for Public Transit
The Government of Canada has partnered with the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) and the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), to invest over $1.25 million in funding to explore hydrogen fueling options for public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTH). The multi-phase initiative will assess economic, technological, and environmental benefits, examine feasibility for a hydrogen fueling hub, and gather real-world data to guide implementation. This project supports regional efforts to decarbonize transportation and provides critical guidance for municipalities and fleet operators seeking sustainable, efficient transit solutions.
Canada Supports Rural Transit Solutions Across Ontario
Seventeen Ontario communities will receive over $3.7 million through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to establish or improve local transit systems. Funding will support upgrades such as new vehicles, shelters, accessible stops, scheduling technology, and service enhancements, as well as feasibility studies for new services. These projects aim to improve reliability, accessibility, and affordability, connecting residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and businesses. The investments also promote environmentally friendly transportation options across rural Ontario.
Canada Invests in Transit Solutions for the Municipality of Bathurst
The federal government is investing over $487,000 to purchase three minibuses for the Chaleur Regional Service Commission in northern New Brunswick. This funding will expand FlexGo transit services in Bathurst and eventually across the Chaleur region, improving access to work, school, and essential services. The project will provide reliable public transportation and support economic growth opportunities for local communities.
