Feds firm up infrastructure agreement with P.E.I., near finish line on provincial funding deals

CHARLOTTETOWN—Ottawa and Prince Edward Island have inked a bilateral infrastructure agreement, bringing the federal government one step closer to finalizing funding deals with all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.

The $366 million agreement lays the groundwork for new projects across the small Atlantic province promised under the 12-year, $180 billion Investing in Canada plan.

“Islanders will enjoy safer roads and highways, improved water and wastewater facilities, and will benefit from new green infrastructure,” said François-Philippe Champagne, who recently took the reins a minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“These investments will build strong, resilient and inclusive communities that will remain competitive in today’s economy and over the next century.”

The funding is part of Infrastructure Canada’s allotment of $33 billion designed to incentivize infrastructure work cost-shared with provincial, territorial and municipal governments. P.E.I. is the 11th jurisdiction to sign on, leaving Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador as the two outstanding provinces.

The majority of P.E.I.’s package will go toward green infrastructure.

The agreement stipulates an investment of approximately $228 million for projects that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, $83 million for work in rural communities, $29 million for community and recreations infrastructure and $27 million for public transit.