REGINA — Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski recently headed to Ottawa to speak on speeding up federal infrastructure funding.
Bachynski and fellow Canadian big-city mayors met with Prime Minister Mark Carney over the week to push for faster funding on housing and key projects.
“Cities are warning that delays in getting dollars out the door will slow building, increase costs and undermine national housing and economic goals,” said Bachynski in a post to his social media.
Bachynski said clear themes emerged in the meetings, including the need to move faster so cities can invest sooner in infrastructure projects.
“Mayors emphasized that current federal programs don’t match the scale or urgency of the work happening on the ground,” he noted.
Cities have said the country’s community stream, formerly known as the Canada Community-Building Fund, has been a reliable tool for predictability and direct funding without a substantial approval process.
Bachynski said municipalities would benefit from strengthening this stream. Additionally, he recommended that Canada develop a long-term national infrastructure plan to improve support for vulnerable residents and modernize joint-funding agreements.
Community leaders also spoke about public safety, including support for Bill C-14. The bill promises stricter bail and tougher sentences for violent and repeat offenders.
Overall, Bachynski said he appreciates the seriousness and urgency shown by Carney on the matter.
