Alternative financing and procurement recommended to repair Ontario’s bridges
By STAFF REPORT
Bridges Construction Infrastructure P3sA joint study by the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) and the Residential & Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) recommends exploring Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) to maintain Ontario’s bridges and culverts.
The County of Wellington Bridge Study analyzed 635 structures with spans of three metres or longer and found AFP contracts could save from 13 to 20 per cent in costs.
Many of Ontario’s bridges are at least 50 years old and require major rehabilitation and reconstruction. The provincial government has identified AFP as a potential solution for cash-strapped municipalities.
Joe Tiernay, OGRA’s executive director, said the report is an important initiative because it looks at how AFP might work for smaller municipalities in Ontario. “Although the report concluded that there are a number of challenges to overcome, it also points to a future where municipalities of all sizes will be able to collaboratively explore AFP.”
Andy Manahan, RCCAO’s executive director, added the analysis confirms that bundling of brides and culverts will increase the size of contracts so that AFP methods can be employed for long-term and regular maintenance.