Alberta and Ottawa sign deal to fund water infrastructure for housing

The federal and Alberta governments have inked an agreement to boost home construction by financing crucial water and wastewater infrastructure. Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith in Red Deer, the deal unlocks more than $510 million in federal funds over eight years for Alberta municipalities.

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It has highlighted an acute need to build more and build faster.

Alberta is committed to contributing at least one-third of eligible project costs, potentially up to $428 million. Under the agreement, the province will lead the identification and prioritization of projects, aligning them with regional needs through the federal Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund. The province highlighted that its population has grown by over 600,000 residents in the last five years, significantly increasing demand for both affordable and market housing.

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Builders can only build when the infrastructure is there to support new communities.

Premier Smith stated that this population surge has strained public services and infrastructure across Alberta, creating an "acute need to build more and build faster." She emphasized that builders require adequate infrastructure to support new communities. Prime Minister Carney echoed this sentiment, noting that Canada has underbuilt housing for decades, forcing many to spend over half their income on rent or mortgages.

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Strong communities start right here, they start with housing.

Carney pointed to a new wastewater pipeline in Airdrie, near Calgary, as an example that will enable the construction of 45,000 new homes. He stressed the urgency, stating, "We need that because Canadians and Albertans can’t afford the delays." The initiative underscores the critical link between essential infrastructure and the ability to provide adequate and affordable housing.

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A home needs more than four walls, a roof, stone glazing and stone top. It also needs clean drinking water and a reliable sewage system.