Governments at all levels are spending hundreds of billions in new housing and infrastructure to support new schools, hospitals, public transit, building retrofits and manufacturing.
- The Government of Canada has committed $187 billion over 12 years for new infrastructure projects across the country
- The Government of Ontario’s spending on infrastructure is planned to be over $190 billion over the next 10 years to help expand or renew infrastructure in Ontario
- The City of Toronto’s most recent budget outlines almost $60 billion in planned capital investments over the next 10 years
Community Benefits Agreements are a proven approach to ensure the jobs and opportunities from new infrastructure and development benefit local communities and build community wealth. Such agreements ensure meaningful community participation which contributes to inclusive and sustainable communities and a stronger local economy.
Governments need to be part of the solution. We know with strong policies and support for Community Benefits Agreements, billions of dollars of public taxpayers money can:
- Open doors to well-paid careers like the skilled trades, especially for those left out of the economy
- Support young people on the right path by providing a hand up
- Address skills shortages while creating more jobs and opportunities close to home
- Ensure more local business participation through social procurement and supply chain diversity
- Enhance local communities through meaningful community engagement, neighbourhood improvements, sustainable development and environmental protections
The Impact of Community Benefits Agreements
The great thing is we are doing this already! Through community advocacy and coalition building, large public projects and developments in communities across Canada have included Community Benefits Agreements and plans to deliver on community benefits.
Some examples include:
(2014) Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown LRT - $12.58B
(2018) Infrastructure Ontario West Park Healthcare Centre - $1.2B
(2018) Government of Canada Gordie Howe Bridge International Bridge - $3.8B
(2019) City of Toronto Woodbine Casino Expansion - $1B
(2021) Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway, Yonge North and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension - $42B
(2024) TCHC Regent Park Phase 4 and 5 - $50.7M+
(2024) Etobicoke Civic Centre - $526M
(2026) FIFA2026 World Cup - $380M
Community Benefits Profile: West Park Healthcare Centre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no0gezvf8jI
Community Benefits Profile: FIFA World Cup 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBHTAGc65Wc
Community Benefits Profile: Gordie Howe Windsor Detroit Bridge