Renewal, economic growth guiding factors for infrastructure investment: Schuler
Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler has released four proposed strategic investment categories for infrastructure, putting the proposal out for public feedback.
The four categories, in this order, are renewal, economic development, safety and climate resiliency, and connectivity and innovation; infrastructure investment planning aims to:
- enhance transportation mobility and connectivity
- ensure safety and reliability across the highway network
- enable industry expansion that leverages Manitoba’s diverse economy; and
- build climate resiliency.
“Over the next decade, Manitoba will be recognized as a national transportation hub, linking east to west, north to south and enabling strong economic activity within and across our borders,” said Schuler.
“Our government has consistently planned and prioritized projects based on what is important to Manitobans and industry stakeholders. Using four proposed strategic investment categories, we will be able to provide the foundation for an infrastructure strategy and short-term infrastructure investment planning.”
MHCA President Chris Lorenc congratulated the province for scoping its investment strategy to assist economic growth, along with safety and climate change resiliency.
“We know very well the economic analyses that show investment in strategic infrastructure produces significant returns to GDP, spinning off for years benefits down the road,” Lorenc said. “As well, investment in key infrastructure assets – highways that are efficient or water-control structures that can aid irrigation or mitigate the impact of flood waters, for example – will be central to our climate change strategy.”
The public engagement and industry online feedback questionnaire on the proposed Strategic Investment Categories will be available from July 15 to Aug. 4 at engagemb.ca.
Read the province’s full news release here.
