Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - There were words of warning about the cost of maintaining municipal assets like roads, bridges and water systems in Middlesex Centre.
“Currently 54% of our assets are rated in good or better condition. However, that leaves 46% in fair to poor condition, posing risks to service reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability,” said Asset Management Coordinator Aubrey Guevarra-Jongsma in a presentation to council at its October 1st meeting. “Poor conditions can have real cost impacts, for example roads in poor condition can lead to increased vehicle wear, higher maintenance costs and safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians,” Guevarra-Jongsma told council.
Middlesex Centre has a total of $1.5 billion in assets. The two single largest areas are the road, and wastewater networks. Funding comes from two sources; those paid for by municipal taxes and ones that are supported by water rates. In regard to the tax funded side, needs versus projected funding over the next 10 years, amounts to a gap of $128 million. “This gap represents over 40 percent of the total need, which is substantial. Without strategic planning and sustained investment this shortfall could lead to deferred maintenance, increased lifestyle costs and reduced service levels across critical infrastructure,” said Guevarra-Jongsma.
The financial picture is also troubling when it comes to services paid for by water rates. “While smaller in scale than tax-supported assets, this gap still represents a significant shortfall. Without adequate investment, we risk increased maintenance costs, service disruptions and delayed infrastructure renewal,”
The report prompted members of council to express concern. “It’s a pretty grim picture you’re painting here,” said Deputy Mayor John Brennan. “With the Ontario government pushing for more housing, that’s only going to increase the infrastructure costs,” added Brennan.
“We’re not alone,” said Guevarra-Jongsma. She pointed out that the deficit when it comes to infrastructure needs across Canada amounts to three trillion dollars.
As to how the situation can be improved, several recommendations emerged. They include improved monitoring of wear and tear on assets and prioritizing which assets are in need of repairs. There’s also the ability to secure grant money from other levels of government.
“It’s not as bad as it seems,” assured Chief Administrative Officer Michael Di Lullo. “You can rest assured we have the policies, we’ve got the staffing, we’ve got all the resources in place that we can dedicate ourselves to target the assets that do need attention,” added Di Lullo.
