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BUILDING BETTER:
Setting up the Next Ontario Long-Term
Infrastructure Plan for Success

To remain competitive in the 21st century, it is essential of private businesses, thereby leading to greater wealth Furthermore, economic analysis has found that only
that Ontario communities and businesses beneft from creation and higher living standards. about one-ffth of the economic benefts of infrastructure
BUILDING BETTER: modern and reliable infrastructure. Such infrastructure Research demonstrates that the impact of infrastructure construction; approximately 80 percent comes from the
investment comes from the capital spent during
Setting up the Next Ontario Long-Term
can help to keep people and goods moving – facilitating
Infrastructure Plan for Success trade, investment and idea exchange. By providing access spending on job creation is signifcant. For every $1 billion long-term economic benefts of the projects, including
to energy, clean water and other necessities, modern in infrastructure spending, 16,J00 jobs are supported economic spin-off activities.
infrastructure is also essential to improving quality of for one year.6 These jobs are not merely concentrated
life. in the construction sector, as manufacturing industries, Investment in public infrastructure, such as roads,
businesses services, transportation and fnancial sector transportation systems, communication infrastructure,
In recent years - and particularly in the aftermath of the employment also beneft from the spillover effects utilities, water and wastewater systems, health and social
2008-9 fnancial crisis - a consensus regarding the positive associated with infrastructure spending. infrastructure results in lowered business costs and
economic benefts of more robust infrastructure spending increased labour productivity.10 Lowered business costs
has emerged among economists and policymakers. In Increased investment in infrastructure also spreads result in increased private sector returns, allowing for
addition to the social benefts of infrastructure, each throughout the economy via a series of multiplier effects. higher rates of private investment and ensuring Canadian
dollar of infrastructure spending has a positive effect on For every $1 billion in infrastructure spending, GDP is companies can remain competitive and grow on a global
economic conditions in two ways: in the short-term, by boosted by $1.14 billion, resulting in a multiplier effect of stage.
supporting jobs and businesses, leading to lower levels 1.14. Studies have consistently shown a strong multiplier
of unemployment and a higher level of economic growth; effect as it relates to infrastructure spending, with Check out the full 40-page report at www.occ.ca
and, in the long-term, by boosting the competitiveness estimated multipliers ranging from 1.14 to a high of 1.78.

80 years Fun

for the

1938 to 2018 Family
Donations appreciated!
Bring the whole family to the 2018
Preston Scout House ‘Spring Opening’ concert
1 pm, Sunday April 15
Preston Columbus Hall, 333 Speedsville Road
(Doors open at 12:30 pm. Refreshments on sale.)

WHY DON’T YOU
GIVE YOUR CAR

A BREAK?

WHY DON’T YOU
TAKE THE TRAIN?

TM Trademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc.

38 www.cambridgechamber.com www.cambridgechamber.com 39
Winter 2018 Winter 2018