TORONTO -- Ontario's fiscal watchdog estimates 45 per cent of municipal infrastructure in the province needs repairs, which it says will cost about $52 billion.
The Financial Accountability Office warns, however, that the backlog of infrastructure in need of fixing is likely higher sine the data it examined is incomplete.
In a report published Monday, the office looked at the condition of municipal infrastructure and costs as of last year to keep assets in good repair.
Municipal roads make up the largest share of the backlog, estimated at $21.1 billion, followed by buildings and facilities, wastewater, potable water and bridges and culverts.
The financial watchdog notes, however, that the condition of about 10 per cent of assets valued at $47 billion is unknown.
It says keeping public infrastructure in good repair is the most cost-effective strategy for managing assets but that can conflict with other budgetary priorities.
"Postponing repairs raises the risk of service disruption and increases the costs associated with municipal infrastructure over time," the report said.
Nearly half of Ontario municipal infrastructure in need of repair, watchdog reports | CTV News
The Financial Accountability Office warns, however, that the backlog of infrastructure in need of fixing is likely higher sine the data it examined is incomplete.
In a report published Monday, the office looked at the condition of municipal infrastructure and costs as of last year to keep assets in good repair.
Municipal roads make up the largest share of the backlog, estimated at $21.1 billion, followed by buildings and facilities, wastewater, potable water and bridges and culverts.
The financial watchdog notes, however, that the condition of about 10 per cent of assets valued at $47 billion is unknown.
It says keeping public infrastructure in good repair is the most cost-effective strategy for managing assets but that can conflict with other budgetary priorities.
"Postponing repairs raises the risk of service disruption and increases the costs associated with municipal infrastructure over time," the report said.
Nearly half of Ontario municipal infrastructure in need of repair, watchdog reports | CTV News
