Alberta's $30 billion infrastructure deficit has been a point of concern for municipalities across the province for quite some time.
Alberta Municipalities (ABMunis) has launched a campaign called "Think Alberta Vote Local," aimed at ensuring that political parties and candidates address the key issues that matter to the province's 275 member communities during this year's provincial election, scheduled for May 29th.
According to ABMunis, the $30 billion infrastructure deficit is only going to grow bigger over time as more of their member's infrastructure reaches the end of its projected lifecycle and as demand increases due to population growth.
Vice President of Cities Under 500,000 Mayor Tyler Gandam (Town of Wetaskiwin) said in a press conference Tuesday Morning, " It's a massive problem for Albertans. And steps need to be taken by the next provincial government to address it."
Gandam admitted that infrastructure isn't the flashiest of topics, but is needed now more than ever, "When people hear the word infrastructure, they tend to react in one of three ways. Some people roll their eyes and sigh or think infrastructure is so boring.
"Others know of the bridges, underground water and wastewater distribution systems and roads and their communities and think I know we need this stuff, but it's really expensive," he added. "Others have visions of shiny new recreation centers, pools, splash parks, and arenas and think they want these amenities in their community, but they can't afford to build them without the support from the provincial government."
Mayor Mike Yargeau of Penhold, was also in attendance at the press conference and says he understands that it's a lot of fun to talk about an arena but, "I've also been a part of grand openings for water treatment plants, and I can assure you that not as many people show up to those it's not as big of a deal."
Penhold, which has a population hovering around 4,000 people has seen incredible growth over the last 50 years, but the growth in population has not translated into growth in infrastructure Yargeau admits, " The town of Penhold public works building was purchased in the early 1970s when (Penhold) had a population of around 500 people.
"We're still in that same building today. With a population of just under 4000. The space does not meet today's safe working conditions, we are in desperate need of a new facility to meet the growing demands to provide the necessary services for our residents."
Gandam says the blame isn't squarely on the feet of this government, but this has been an ongoing issue over multiple administrations, "The Government of Alberta has chronically underfunded infrastructure." He added that the last 15 years have been tough, "It doesn't matter which political party was in power during that time. All of them have underfunded infrastructure to some degree."
What are they asking for? Well, that is stable and increased funding from whichever party gets into government on May 29th.
Gandam said that Alberta Municipalities are looking for $1.75 billion in annual funding for infrastructure, "That's not factoring in population growth, which increases demand and puts strain on existing infrastructure."
The Wetaskiwin Mayor believes that if the next provincial government allocates $1.75 Billion a year towards Municipal Infrastructure then it would not only help address the $30 billion infrastructure deficit but also ensure that Alberta's communities have the necessary infrastructure to grow and prosper.
"Increased funding for municipal infrastructure is needed to help grow Alberta's economy. After all, economic development happens in Alberta communities," he added.
The press conference is part of ABmunis’ broader ‘Think Alberta, Vote Local’ information campaign that aims to get political parties and candidates to consider and address critical issues that affect the association’s 275 member communities during the 2023 provincial general election.
ABMunis will be hosting two more press conferences over the provincial election. Their next event is scheduled on May 16th and will address Community Safety.