jmcomic������������

EDMONTON – The Alberta government has announced it is launching a minister’s council to explore new ways for municipalities to finance critical infrastructure.

It will bring together municipal leaders and industry representatives to examine innovative approaches to funding and identify tools that can help communities maintain and expand core services, a release reads.

In collaboration with BILD Alberta’s working group on alternative infrastructure financing, the council will explore ways “to close the municipal infrastructure gap and enhance municipalities’ ability to invest in housing and critical infrastructure through innovative financing tools and without increasing the tax burden on Albertans.”

As Alberta continues to experience population growth and economic expansion, municipalities are facing an increased demand for roads, water systems, transit and other core infrastructure, the release adds. As a result, policy options will be explored to strengthen long-term financial capacity and new fiscal tools to support responsible, locally driven growth. 

“The launch of this minister’s council is an incredible opportunity to expand how we fund and build Alberta’s communities for the future. It directly builds on BILD Alberta’s work to unlock innovative financial tools that can get housing and critical infrastructure built faster, more cost-effectively and more responsively. We are excited to expand the financing toolbox, close the infrastructure gap and ensure our growing communities can truly thrive,” said Scott Fash, CEO of the BILD Alberta Association, in a statement.

The council will also assess a range of approaches, including alternative financing models, partnerships with the private sector and mechanisms successfully used in other jurisdictions.