Burlington says these infrastructure projects are ready to go should Trump trade war lead to stimulus funding
Burlington city staff identified nine local infrastructure projects that could be submitted for provincial or federal stimulus funding.
Last month,
city council directed staff to review the 10-year capital project plan
and provide a list of 'infrastructure projects that could be quickly advanced if stimulus programs are announced' for the May 12 committee of the whole meeting.
A staff report states the listed projects 'could be advanced from their current proposed year if external funding was to be provided … to proactively deliver infrastructure projects that could assist limiting the impacts of International Trade Policies,' including tariffs.
Staff recommend city councillors receive the report and list for information. The list includes a range of projects and timelines to provide options for future funding applications.
The identified projects are currently proposed for completion between 2026 and 2031 — but could be completed earlier if stimulus funds are announced.
Criteria for selecting projects included: preference to projects that don't require partnership with Halton Region or a neighbouring municipality; ability to obtain necessary permits from external agencies; work that can be completed within three or five years from the award of any stimulus funding; projects with Canadian content that don't rely on international components.
Staff note criteria for any external stimulus funding is not known yet, and there will be additional staff time required to prepare and submit funding applications for any of the nine projects. The report also states stimulus programs from upper governments normally require the municipality to fund a portion of approved projects.
Recently re-elected Burlington MP Karina Gould said she looks forward to supporting Burlington's infrastructure applications at the federal level.
'The Government of Canada will be introducing a Speech from the Throne on May 27 that will outline our priorities for this upcoming session of Parliament,' Gould said in a statement issued by her office. 'I will absolutely keep Burlingtonians updated when more details are available.'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said during the 2025 provincial election campaign that his government would invest in an infrastructure stimulus package to face a trade war with the United States.
Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre's office, and Infrastructure Ontario, did not respond to requests for comment by deadline.
Burlington Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Terry Caddo had not reviewed the list of identified projects, but said: 'It is good governance to have projects ready to go if additional funding becomes available.'
City View Park improvement is one of several projects Burlington city staff say could be completed earlier than planned under anticipated federal and provincial stimulus funds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
13 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
Ontario, Canada Filtration Manufacturer Camfil Demonstrates Significant Cost Savings for Ontario School Air Filtration Systems
Toronto, Ontario, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Camfil Canada, a leading provider of commercial and industrial air filtration solutions, today announced the publication of a comprehensive case study demonstrating substantial cost savings achieved through advanced air filter implementation in Ontario school facilities. The research highlights how Canadian educational institutions can reduce operational expenses while improving indoor air quality for students and staff. Addressing Canadian School Air Quality Challenges Ontario schools face unique air quality management challenges, including extreme seasonal temperature variations, budget constraints, and increasing focus on student health and improving the learning environment. The new case study provides a detailed analysis of how proper air filter selection and implementation can address these challenges while delivering measurable financial benefits. 'Canadian schools operate under significant budgetary pressures while maintaining responsibility for student and staff health,' said Joshua Gutherie, Air Quality Expert at Camfil Canada. 'Our case study demonstrates that investing in high-efficiency air filtration technology delivers both improved air quality and substantial cost savings for Ontario schools.' Documented Cost Savings in Ontario Educational Facilities The published case study presents a detailed financial analysis of implementing the plan for Ontario schools, including: ● Energy Cost Reductions: Quantified savings in heating and cooling expenses through improved HVAC system efficiency ● Maintenance Cost Decreases: Reduced filter replacement frequency and HVAC system maintenance requirements ● Extended Equipment Life: Protection of HVAC systems leading to deferred capital replacement costs ● Operational Efficiency Improvements: Streamlined maintenance procedures and reduced labour requirements The study specifically addresses the impact of Ontario's energy costs and seasonal operational demands on the performance and economics of school air filtration systems. Supporting Student Health and Learning Outcomes Beyond cost savings, the case study documents improvements in indoor air quality that directly benefit student health and academic performance. Research continues to demonstrate the connection between improved air quality and enhanced learning environments, making air filtration investments valuable from both financial and educational perspectives. 'Ontario schools are increasingly recognizing that air quality investments support both fiscal responsibility and educational excellence,' noted Guthrie. 'Our case study provides the data and analysis that school boards need to make informed decisions about air filtration technology.' Advanced Filtration Solutions for Canadian Schools The case study features a detailed analysis of air filtration technologies specifically suited to Canadian educational environments, including: ● High-Efficiency Particulate Filters: Engineered to handle Ontario's seasonal allergen and particulate loads while minimizing energy consumption ● Extended Service Life Filters: Designed to maintain performance despite challenging Canadian environmental conditions. This includes fewer replacements, with some filters lasting up to a year in Ontario schools, compared to three months for competing filters. ● Energy-Efficient Filter Media: Optimized for Canadian HVAC systems and operations ● Each solution addresses the specific requirements of Ontario schools, including compliance with provincial building codes, accommodating extreme temperature variations, and optimizing energy cost savings. Practical Implementation Guidance for Ontario School Boards The published case study provides actionable implementation strategies for Ontario educational facilities, addressing common concerns, including: ● Budget Planning: ROI calculations and payback period analysis for different filter upgrade scenarios ● Seasonal Considerations: Implementation of timing recommendations for Ontario school operational schedules ● Maintenance Training: Guidance for school staff on optimizing filter performance and longevity ● Compliance Requirements: Alignment with Ontario building codes and educational facility standards Supporting Ontario's Educational Infrastructure The case study reflects Camfil Canada's commitment to supporting Ontario's educational sector through practical air quality solutions that address both health and financial priorities. As Ontario schools continue to focus on creating optimal learning environments while managing operational costs, evidence-based air filtration strategies provide measurable benefits. The research also addresses emerging considerations for Ontario schools, including enhanced focus on indoor air quality following public health awareness campaigns and increasing emphasis on energy efficiency in public buildings. Canadian Educational Resource Availability The complete Ontario schools air filtration case study is available now through Camfil Canada's website at The resource includes downloadable implementation guides, cost calculation tools, and technical specifications specifically developed for Canadian educational facilities. About Camfil Canada Ontario, Canada Filtration Manufacturer Camfil Camfil Canada is a leading provider of air filtration solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications across Canada. With comprehensive experience in Canadian building environments, the company provides engineered solutions for challenging air quality requirements, including educational facilities, healthcare institutions, commercial buildings, and industrial operations. The company maintains distribution and service capabilities across Canada, providing technical support, installation guidance, and maintenance services from coast to coast. Camfil Canada is part of the global Camfil Group, recognized worldwide for innovation in air filtration technology and commitment to clean air solutions. For more information about Camfil Canada's educational facility air filtration solutions, visit the Camfil Canada Website or contact the Canadian educational applications team at 905-660-0688. Media Contact: Phillip Ilijevski Camfil Canada Inc. Phone: 437-929-1161 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Hamilton Spectator
20 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
New AI minister says Canada won't ‘over-index' on AI regulation
OTTAWA - Canada's new minister of artificial intelligence said Tuesday he'll put less emphasis on AI regulation and more on finding ways to harness the technology's economic benefits. In his first speech since becoming Canada's first-ever AI minister, Evan Solomon said Canada will move away from 'over-indexing on warnings and regulation' to make sure the economy benefits from AI. His regulatory focus will be on data protection and privacy, he told the audience at an event in Ottawa Tuesday morning organized by the think tank Canada 2020. Solomon said regulation isn't about finding 'a saddle to throw on the bucking bronco called AI innovation. That's hard. But it is to make sure that the horse doesn't kick people in the face. And we need to protect people's data and their privacy.' The previous government introduced a privacy and AI regulation bill that targeted high-impact AI systems. It did not become law before the election was called. That bill is 'not gone, but we have to re-examine in this new environment where we're going to be on that,' Solomon said. He said constraints on AI have not worked at the international level. 'It's really hard. There's lots of leakages,' he said. 'The United States and China have no desire to buy into any constraint or regulation.' That doesn't mean regulation won't exist, he said, but it will have to be assembled in steps. Canada won't go it alone, Solomon added, because it's a 'waste of time.' Getting AI regulation right is critical to Canada's 'economic destiny,' he said. Soloman said that includes government investments in data centres and research, protecting Canadian intellectual property 'and, critically, cranking up our commercialization.' Solomon outlined four priorities for his ministry — scaling up Canada's AI industry, driving adoption and ensuring Canadians have trust in and sovereignty over the technology. He said that includes supporting Canadian AI companies like Cohere, which he said 'means using government as essentially an industrial policy to champion our champions.' While big companies are leading in using AI, small and medium enterprises are not, and the government needs to encourage them, Solomon said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
Bloomberg
27 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Tariffs Hit Canadian Firm That Made World Trade Center's Spire
ADF Group Inc., a Canadian maker of steel structures, reported lower earnings and slowed its production partly because of the uncertainty caused by US tariffs. The company's first quarter revenue plunged 48% to C$55.5 million ($40.6 million), while its profit margin grew narrower. Earnings per share dropped by 36%.
