Canada’s Urban Strategy A Blueprint forAction

FINAL REPORT Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues Chair: ,MP November 2002 November 19, 2002

The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien Prime Minister of House of Commons , K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister:

The members of the Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues are pleased to present the conclusion of our deliberations on the future of Canada’s urban regions. Our final report sets the stage for implementing the recommendations for Canada’s Urban Strategy.

We are delighted that the 2002 Speech from the Throne included many of our recom- mendations from the Interim Report of May 2002. We believe this final report offers an innovative blueprint for sustainable urban regions in every part of Canada.

The Task Force is proud to be part of the continuing debate on Canada’s urban regions. Although this final report concludes our mandate, it is by no means the end of the pursuit for a national agenda on urban issues. Let us have the courage and the vision to take the next steps on our journey. This is an exciting opportunity for all governments and all citizens to shape the future direction of Canada.

Thank you for recognizing the importance of the urban regions to Canada’s future prosperity. We trust the ideas and recommendations presented in this final report will inspire and guide our political leaders to work together to ensure the ‘Canada We Want’ is a reality for the 21st century.

Sincerely,

Judy Sgro, Chair ii CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY: A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Prime Minister’s Caucus

Judy Sgro, M.P. The Honourable Dr. Bernard Patry, M.P. York West/Ouest Tommy Banks Pierrefonds-Dollard Chair Senator () Vice Chair Vice Chair

Reg Alcock, M.P. Carole-Marie Allard, M.P. Mauril Bélanger, M.P. South/Sud Laval Est/East Ottawa-Vanier TASK FORCE iii

Task Force on Urban Issues

The Honourable , M.P. Andy Savoy, M.P. Thelma Chalifoux Halifax West/Ouest Tobique-Mactaquac Senator (Alberta)

Hélène Scherrer, M.P. Alan Tonks, M.P. Bryon Wilfert, M.P. Louis Hébert York South-Weston/ Oak Ridges York Sud-Weston iv CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY: A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Today’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Reality

he Prime Minister’s Caucus Task governments in the Canadian federa- Force on Urban Issues received tion”. [FCM letter to Task Force Tits mandate in May 2001 and members, August 2002] immediately began consulting with There is extraordinary public inter- to find ways in which “the est in our Interim Report. Since May can work more 2, 2002, our web site has had 12000 collaboratively, within our federal visits and more than 5300 copies of jurisdiction, to strengthen the quality of the report have been downloaded. We life in our large urban centres”. [Press have also received written submis- Release, May 2001] In May 2002, sions and requests for information The Task Force released its Interim from all sectors and all regions. Report, Canada’s Urban Strategy: The Government of Canada A Vision for the 21st Century. This responded to the debate on urban Final Report concludes our mandate. issues on several levels. Within the It marks a new phase in the debate on Privy Council Office, an internal Task the future of Canada’s urban regions. Force on Urban Communities was Our objective was to recommend established to develop a profile of the ways in which the Government of federal presence in urban centres, Canada can work more effectively research into best practices and to within our jurisdiction to enhance the explore ways of integrating federal relationship with our urban partners. programs. Every federal department is It was not within our mandate nor preparing a Sustainable Development within our means to determine a fiscal Strategy and Environment Canada accounting of the recommendations has created a “sustainable develop- contained in either report. Others will ment lens”. As well, Industry Canada decide the financial implications of created a Sustainable Cities Initiative our recommendations. to advance this agenda in Johan- The response to the Interim Report nesburg and beyond. A Sustainable has been overwhelmingly favourable Development Coordinating Committee and positive. We received widespread was established comprising Deputy support from both public and private Ministers from departments that are sectors in response to the direction of responsible for programs related to our recommendations. The Federation sustainable development. of Canadian Municipalities called it “a Provincial and municipal govern- compelling analysis of the urban ment initiatives, such as ‘Smart condition and of the role of municipal Growth’, support the concept that TODAY’S VISION FOR TOMORROW’S REALITY v

Canada’s urban regions are part of a summits, and symposiums. Members broader system that integrates many of the Task Force are regularly invited components. to attend as participants and guest During the second phase of our speakers. mandate, members of the Task Force Much has been written about the continued to visit major urban state of Canada’s cities and the effects centres, to meet with provincial minis- of urbanization on the lives of ters, civic officials, urban experts, and Canadians. According to the business and community leaders. Conference Board of Canada, “cities The Government of Canada listened are at the centre of our new economy, and acted on the Interim Report. We the cradle of innovation, and the venue are pleased the 2002 Speech from the for wealth creation” [Anne Golden Throne recognized that “healthy presentation, “Cities and communities and competitive cities are Globalization: Communities in a vital to our individual and national Changing World”, 71st Annual well-being”. The Throne Speech also Couchiching Conference: August included many of our central recom- 2002]. Clearly, there is wide recogni- mendations including the development tion that urban regions have become of a national urban strategy. This is a more relevant and more important clear signal that the Government of within the Canadian federation. Canada is committed to this impor- At the same time, municipal tant and essential agenda. governments face enormous chal- Since the Task Force was created in lenges. There is pressure on all May 2001, there has been tremendous governments to meet their obligations. national interest in urban issues. It is Canada West Foundation refers to one of the ‘hottest’ topics among “cities at the crossroads” [Canada West federal, provincial and municipal Foundation, Discussion Paper August governments. Media, economists, 2002]. We agree with the assessment social scientists, and business leaders that if we do not act now, the oppor- all talk about the growing importance tunity for change will be lost. The of urban regions to Canada’s options for action being debated range economic prosperity and the subse- from restructuring the constitution to quent socio-economic and environ- provide more autonomy for cities to mental effects. developing new means and new fiscal Several important non-government tools to serve municipalities. organizations such as the Conference At the core of the debate is the rela- Board of Canada, Federation of tionship between and among federal, Canadian Municipalities, Canadian provincial and municipal governments Policy Research Networks, Canada and how to develop opportunities to West Foundation, Organisation for strengthen these partnerships. The Economic Co-operation and significant presence of the Government Development, and the National of Canada in urban regions is a major Roundtable on the Environment and factor in this equation and key to its the Economy, held conferences, success. The Organisation for vi CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY: A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Economic Co-operation and economic growth and social capital Development endorses this concept: that will ensure a successful and “Currently, there is a new rationale for prosperous Canada. more federal involvement, not to repro- In this report, we present a blue- duce centralised management but print for action that will provide through negotiated planning with mechanisms for the Government of formal institutional mechanisms Canada to implement Canada’s concerning area-based partnerships Urban Strategy. This blueprint will between three levels of government” shape the future direction of our [OECD: Territorial Review of Canada, relationship with our key urban 2002]. Canada’s Urban Strategy is partners and with provincial and the Task Force’s response to this municipal governments. It refines the challenge. recommendations from the Interim The shift from a rural-based econ- Report on transit/transportation, omy to an urbanized population that housing and infrastructure and offers has seen urban centres emerge as the new tools to ensure sustainability in main engines of the nation’s economy these areas. with social and environmental conse- A new approach means reviewing quences, has led to one of the most and reorienting existing partnerships important debates of the century for while building new ones, at the same Canada and enormous challenges for time respecting our federal jurisdic- rural Canada. tion and obligations. The Task Force Canada is now one of the world’s recommends a Cabinet Minister be most urban nations. Four out of five assigned the responsibility to develop Canadians currently live in large Canada’s Urban Strategy and urban centres and there is every indi- implement an action plan to ensure cation that this trend will continue. the voices of urban regions are heard. There is widespread agreement that it Otherwise, our efforts will, at best, be is time for a new approach. fragmented and our results will be We cannot ignore the major chal- incremental. lenges facing our country; an aging This blueprint will assist political population, urbanization, growing leaders in making the right choices to cultural diversity and a widening realize Canada’s potential. It is built income gap. The 2002 Speech from on the strength of all its regions and the Throne proposed “new partner- its citizens and can serve as the foun- ships, a new urban strategy, a new dation for the ‘Canada We Want’ that approach” to ensure competitive cities will make our children, grandchildren, and healthy communities. This will and their descendants proud. inspire us to invest in those areas of

The full report is available on The Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues Web site: www.liberal.parl.gc.ca/urb. 1 A Vision of Urban Sustainability: 2020 ...... 1 Economic Competitiveness Social Harmony A Sustainable Environment Urban Revitalization Education and Skills

2 Canada’s Urban Strategy: A Blueprint for Action ...... 5

KEY ELEMENTS OF CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY ...... 6 Coordination and Integration Collaboration and Consultation Federal Objectives of Canada’s Urban Strategy Best Practices and Research

3 Implementing Canada’s Urban Strategy . . . .8

4 Three Priority Programs ...... 10

A NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM ...... 11

A NATIONAL TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM ...... 14

A NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM ...... 17

5 Moving Forward to 2020 ...... 21

6 Appendices ...... 23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS – PHASE II

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INTERIM REPORT

PRIME MINISTER’S PRESS RELEASE MAY 2001 A VISION OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: 2020 1

A Vision of Urban Sustainability: 2020

he Task Force believes that by ■ CMA to 1.1 million; 2020, Canada’s status as a ■ Halifax CMA to almost half a Tworld leader should be based on million; integrating and balancing economic ■ Winnipeg CMA to over 700,000; and competitiveness, social harmony, a ■ Ottawa-Gatineau CMA is projected sustainable environment, and a high to grow to 1.3 million. quality of life for all Canadians. [Statistics Canada, Special Projections] We want well-managed, healthy Economic Competitiveness communities infused with cultural It is now more important than ever for diversity, equal access, sustainable the Government of Canada to provide environments, and innovation. Urban opportunities to balance social and regions should be a blend of distinct economic growth. Urban regions are communities – centres within centres, the most powerful economic engines villages within cities – with unique of the country: economic, social and cultural charac- ■ Halifax accounts for 47% of Nova teristics. They will become the focal Scotia's GDP; points of interaction and enterprise ■ Montreal’s Urban Community within the larger regions, all with their accounts for 49% of ’s GDP; own purpose, flavour, and community ■ Greater Area and Ottawa pride. region combined account for more By 2020, it is estimated that than half of Ontario's GDP; Canada’s population will be approxi- ■ Winnipeg accounts for 67% of mately 36 million, with 85-90% of our ’s GDP; population and the vast majority of ■ and Edmonton together jobs located in the major urban account for 64% of Alberta’s GDP; centres. Most of the population will be and living in the 25 largest urban regions, ■ accounts for 53% of with 6 of these regions home to more British Columbia's GDP. than half of Canada’s citizens. [‘Metropolitan Outlook’. Conference Statistics Canada’s projections for Board of Canada, Spring 2001] population growth in the eight largest Urban regions should possess clus- Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA’S) ters of economic activity in a range of are based on continuing trends in different areas; such as, financial fertility, mortality and migration: services, new media, business ■ Vancouver CMA is projected to grow services, manufacturing, transporta- from 2 million to 3 million; tion, biomedical and biotechnology. ■ Toronto CMA is expected to grow to Our universities and colleges should 6.6 million; play a vital role in training skilled ■ Montreal CMA to 3.8 million; employees, undertaking applied and ■ Calgary CMA to 1.2 million; 2 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

basic research, and commercializing strengthen and support the cultural our research potential. diversity of Canadian urban society. Canadians want to have more and The Government of Canada will better transportation options. Fast rail “work with interested provinces to networks should be part of an inter- expand on existing pilot programs” and modal transportation network to carry will “close the gap in life chances people and goods more efficiently and between Aboriginals and non- quickly to their destinations as well as Aboriginals” [2002 Throne Speech]. inter-regional links to the major Our urban vision of 2020 should see centres. This is the key to economic the scope of the Urban Aboriginal prosperity. Strategy extended to all urban regions. By 2020; “we hope to see Social Harmony more Aboriginal professionals, more Canadians are justifiably proud of Aboriginal women in both professional their social safety net which reflects and political fields”. [Hon. Thelma the values and principles that are at Chalifoux, Senator (Alberta), Member the very heart of our society. These of the Prime Minister’s Caucus supports should continue for all fami- Task Force] lies so that by 2020 we should see a Canada will have a large and signif- dramatic reduction in child poverty in icant senior population, estimated by Canada, as well as improvements in Statistics Canada to rise to 6.7 million the quality of life for seniors living by 2021. Our urban regions should be below the poverty line, the socially prepared to meet the increased disadvantaged and marginalized demands for health care, home care, members of society. housing and social services for this Canada’s urban regions are safe growing sector of society. [Statistics places to live, crime rates are low Canada: Population Projections] compared to cities in the US and The arts and sciences should Europe, and measures are in place to flourish side by side to create an secure our borders. Personal safety is environment that is smart, vibrant important to Canadians and we want and attractive. to continue to make our communities It is clear that investments in safe, protect our citizens and coordi- people and social infrastructure by all nate with all orders of government to orders of government in harmony with strengthen our community policing civil society should identify Canada as and national security forces. a nation of healthy, well-educated and The majority of the increase in productive citizens. Canada’s population will be fuelled by immigration with the vast majority of A Sustainable Environment immigrants settling in the major Canada has the capacity to be a world urban centres. [Statistics Canada: leader in new infrastructure design; Annual Demographic Statistics, that is, office buildings, transit Catalogue No. 91-213] It is critical that systems, water and sewage treatment governments be prepared to plants, that meet reduced targets of A VISION OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: 2020 3

green house gas emissions, and which based areas if we invest now. are environmentally ‘clean’ in accor- By 2020, initiatives taken by all dance with international agreements orders of government should reduce such as the Kyoto Protocol. We have the noxious emissions and ‘smog the expertise and the resources to days’, which account for 2,500 prema- place Canada in the forefront of tech- ture deaths per year in Ontario alone. nology and innovation. [Illness Cost of Air Pollution Model, Canadians want to see green spaces developed by the Ontario Medical within urban regions protected for Association, June 2000] everyone’s benefit, as well as wood- Urban Revitalization lands and watersheds on the outskirts of our cities. In twenty years, there should be a By 2020, the benefits of a National closer connection between where Renewable Fuels Strategy should people live and where they work. show a significant decrease in the use Older, established neighbourhoods of non-renewable energy sources. could offer opportunities for new There should be a shift from gasoline- housing and innovative development powered to more efficient, less pollut- such as the remediation and redevel- ing vehicles using bio-fuels such as opment of “brownfields” (contaminated ethanol and bio-diesel that will reduce sites). These sites have enormous potential and we should be exploring the level of CO2 emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells and wind power are alterna- ways to utilise them. tive sources of energy that deserve By 2020, there should be in place a further research and investment. We full description of all publicly owned should see more use of solar heating lands and buildings, federal, provin- for homes and district energy systems cial and municipal. The inventory should be utilised to heat and cool should include current use, as well as large buildings. current committed uses. These lands The rural areas and northern and buildings should be examined for regions of Canada are an integral part opportunities and potential for urban of Canada’s economic prosperity and development under leasing arrange- success as a nation. The importance ments. Granville Island in Vancouver of rural Canada within the urban is a good example of an effective and context is as principal food and energy successful use of publicly owned supplier. We are fortunate to enjoy urban space. This concept has the one of the lowest costs for food in the potential to create a new and vibrant western world. By 2020, the rural community within an urban core. regions should have developed their It will become even more important full potential as sustainable rural to preserve heritage buildings and economies based on the primary historic sites in the context of sustain- industries of agriculture, fisheries, able development. Otherwise, whole forestry, mining and energy. Canada chapters of our shared history will be should be a world leader in research lost forever. and innovation in these key resource- 4 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Education and Skills Canada could be at the forefront of In 2020, the urban economy will be information technology that driven by knowledge-based industries researches worldwide best practices characterized by state-of-the-art and finds innovative solutions. urban communications technology. The Government of Canada must By 2020, skills, training and knowl- make some firm decisions, take bold initiatives and follow a course of “A great city is one that edge will be even more crucial. Currently, 40% of Canadian adults action that will lead us to attain these buzzes with energy, one are functionally illiterate and only goals for sophisticated and successful that is full of innovative through Investment in life-long learn- sustainable communities by 2020. people doing big things. ing will we meet the demands required The city is diverse – in by industry and commerce. [“Canada Nation-building involves govern- class, income, and colour – 2010: Challenges and Choices at Home and Abroad”, Conference Board of ments and people working together to and fights to maintain that Canada, October 2002] secure our future and for our children diversity. It has rich, living Canada should have the capacity to and grandchildren to follow. We have culture – in all meanings develop, attract, and retain highly a collective responsibility to ensure all of that word.” skilled workers and to become a world citizens have equal opportunities and [“Building Up”, Vision for a leader in research, development and equal access. How we see ourselves is Great Canadian City, reflected in our changing values and forthcoming Cities Report innovation. We must ensure that every Canada 25] Canadian has the opportunity for the attitudes. Our vision of Canada in education, skills, and training to 2020 is based on a united country, participate fully in the knowledge- where freedom, quality of life, a strong based economy. economy and Canada’s place in the Findings suggest that cities and world is the measure of our success. regions have much to gain from Continuing our commitment to making centres attractive to knowl- prudent fiscal management and sensi- edge–based workers who prefer places ble investments, sound social with a readily accessible range of programs, a good health care system recreational and cultural activities. and careful attention to environmental [“Competing in the Age of Talent: and cultural programs, the Canada of Quality of Place and the New 2020 will have a secure foundation Economy”, Richard Florida, and we can look forward to a bright January 2000] future for all Canadians. CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION 5

Canada’s Urban Strategy: A Blueprint for Action

he 2002 Speech from the Throne sustainable as possible with the high- recognizes that “Competitive est possible quality of life. The choices “Federal, provincial and Tcities and healthy communities made today will affect the future municipal governments are vital to our individual and national success and vibrancy of our urban should pursue enhanced centres and it is critical that flexible well-being. They require new partner- tri-partite agreements. Tri- ships, a new urban strategy, a new institutions develop the strategies that partite agreements offer a approach to healthy communities for address the differences in regions. the 21st century”. Implementation of Canada’s Urban mechanism for the federal, An enhanced relationship between Strategy will establish a basis for provincial and municipal the Government of Canada and economic sustainability for all regions governments to combine of Canada. In this report, we suggest among our urban partners, provincial their resources and and municipal governments, the ways in which the Government of expertise to build cohesive private sector, community and busi- Canada can act both as catalyst and ness leaders and the voluntary sector, facilitator while working with policies and programs that will guide strategic federal capital- provinces, municipalities, community will benefit cities”. investment in our cities and will leaders and private sector partners. [“Cities at the Crossroads”, Addressing Intergovernmental improve the quality of life for millions The Strategy ensures that policies and Structures for Western regulations are assessed for efficiency Canada, Canada West of Canadians living in our urban Foundation, August 2002] regions. and effectiveness. Investments need to This innovative relationship will be strategic in nature, targeted in form the foundation for a new areas where they will be the most approach. This is the basis of effective. Canada’s Urban Strategy. How we These recommendations are not move forward on these issues will meant to be definitive or exclusive but ultimately be shaped by partnerships rather possible ways in which the that share a vision of what is impor- Government of Canada can work tant for our nation and its citizens. within our jurisdiction to develop a The key to successful urban regions new relationship with all partners, is economic sustainability combined both in urban and rural regions. By with social cohesion. The challenge for working together, we can build our political leaders is how to make every future prosperity and a strong country Canadian region as economically for our children and grandchildren. 6 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

KEY ELEMENTS OF CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY

Coordination and Integration achieved on many levels and in differ- We live in an era of policy interdepen- ent sectors. Canada’s Urban Strategy dence where actions of one order of includes mechanisms designed to government have an effect on other meet this objective. governments. This is particularly true Environment Canada implemented for large urban centres where federal, a model of integration through the provincial, and municipal policies and Ecosystems Initiative in the manage- programs all affect urban life. ment of the Great Lakes area, the During our consultations, the Task Saint Lawrence River and the Georgia Force frequently heard that federal River basin. This allows coordination legislation and policies across a broad of all orders of government, stakehold- range of areas linked to immigration, ers and local communities to manage employment, health care, crime a complex system. This approach prevention, infrastructure, could be adapted to urban regions in transit/transportation, and the envi- areas of common interest such as the ronment, all have a profound impact Kyoto Protocol. on the quality of life of urban Collaboration & Consultation Canadians. This is also true of some Canadians also recognize that there international agreements. are opportunities for cooperation Our Interim Report emphasized the among stakeholders at all levels. Government of Canada’s significant Strong urban partnerships and tripar- presence in the urban regions through tite agreements should be developed its programs, policies and as an between and among all orders of employer, land and property owner government as well as with the private and manager. In fiscal year 2000- sector. Provincial and municipal lead- 2001, the Government of Canada ers need to be involved in decisions invested more than $55 billion in that affect them, particularly in those direct and indirect services and areas of policy that have an impact on programs. budgets. Coordination and cohesive strategic Urban projects and programs decision-making is currently lacking should be designed to meet federal to ensure those funds are spent in objectives, on the basis of plans and areas and on projects that ensure targets developed in partnership with maximum social, economic and envi- provinces and municipalities. ronmental benefits. We must ensure that Canadians receive the highest Federal Objectives of an Urban level of value from tax dollars. To Strategy achieve this, the Government of The Task Force believes that for Canada should coordinate and inte- Canada’s Urban Strategy to succeed, grate those federal programs and programs and projects should adhere activities that are of key importance to established federal objectives that for urban regions. This can be KEY ELEMENTS OF CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY 7

will advance urban revitalization. The centre(s) would collect, coordi- Projects and programs should demon- nate and distribute research from strate they have the capacity to: Canada and around the world on ■ Conform with Government of issues related to urban development Canada standards in fiscal that could include: accountability; ■ Conditions and current trends in ■ Enhance and improve the quality of urban regions; life for all Canadians; ■ Promoting Canadian successes and ■ Meet our social obligations in innovative programs abroad; health care, housing, employment ■ Comparing the competitive position and pensions; of urban regions within the global ■ Contribute to sustainable develop- market; ment in transit/transportation, ■ Sharing international practices and infrastructure, and housing; experiences related to urban devel- ■ Enhance Canada’s image as a world opment; and leader in sustainable urban devel- ■ The provision of urban data to key opment and technology; stakeholders developing urban poli- ■ Increase urban regions’ ability to cies and programs. attract and retain talent; In addition, the Government of ■ Adhere to environmental and land Canada should develop a communica- use standards; and tions plan to make its urban policies ■ Assist Canada to comply with inter- accessible and available. This infor- national agreements. mation will help guide national deci- sion-making and encourage comments Best Practices & Research and suggestions from Canadians. The Government of Canada should foster research on national and inter- national best practices and provide intelligence on trends and conditions in our urban regions. The Task Force suggests this could be synchronized by an Institute of Urban Research or within a network of research chairs at Canadian universities and could be coordinated by the Government of Canada. 8 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Implementing Canada’s Urban Strategy

or Canada’s Urban Strategy to that urban concerns and priorities be effective, the Task Force are considered through an “Urban Frecommends a designated Lens”; Minister be given the responsibility to ■ Consult with the Secretary of State coordinate the Government of (Rural Development) and the Rural Canada’s efforts in urban regions and Secretariat on urban issues that to provide a “voice” for the urban may have an impact on rural regions in Cabinet. The mechanisms Canada; we recommend to implement ■ Establish an external Advisory Body Canada’s Urban Strategy stress to advise the Minister on urban strong political leadership from the policies, comprising academics, Government of Canada and require an urban experts from NGO’s and understanding that enhanced rela- national organizations, such as: tionships will promote cooperation, Federation of Canadian better decision–making and more Municipalities, National Roundtable effective consultation. on the Environment and the The responsibilities of the desig- Economy, Boards of Trade, nated Minister could include the Conference Board of Canada, following initiatives: Canadian Urban Transit ■ Collaborate with all orders of Association, Canadian Urban government and urban partners to Institute, The Transportation ensure key programs and policies Association of Canada, Canadian are effective, efficient and strategic Policy Research Networks, and the and reach those urban areas where Canada West Foundation; they will have the most benefit; ■ Chair a National Urban Summit ■ Act as a catalyst to promote growth with provincial First Ministers and development in economic, responsible for Urban Affairs, and social, environmental, key urban partners and facilitate transit/transportation and cultural other urban conferences; and matters; ■ Assist in developing the criteria for ■ Promote and synthesize research the three national programs, hous- and intelligence-gathering on “best ing, transit, and infrastructure, in practices” in urban regions/cities – cooperation with the Ministers nationally and internationally- with responsible ensuring that the prior- government departments that have ities and approaches of key urban an impact in urban regions; centres are taken into account in ■ Liaise with departments within a the design of these programs. coordinated framework to ensure IMPLEMENTING CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY 9

Canada’s Urban Strategy will provide Members of Parliament are part of opportunities to: that action. Given their unique ■ Increase the visibility and credibility perspective and knowledge of their of the Government of Canada on own Ridings, as well as the depth of urban issues and in urban regions; experience in urban issues among our ■ Build on the current federal pres- Caucus, it is imperative MP’s be ence and investments in urban consulted and included as part of the “Good government is one regions and ensure those invest- decision-making process that affects ments are prudent and effective; their constituents. They should be of the founding principles ■ Explore fiscal avenues with urban invited to attend conferences with of our constitution. Each regions; federal, provincial and municipal nation, each region and ■ Provide an access point for urban leaders. each community has a regions; and mission to balance the ■ Meet federal targets in the three national programs; infrastructure, These suggested mechanisms for values of its local housing and transit. implementing Canada’s Urban stakeholders and deliver Strategy are the key components for the best services to ensure Implementing Canada’s Urban bold, political leadership that is neces- Strategy: the Role of the best quality of life. The sary for a relationship with our part- Parliamentarians job of finding the perfect ners to ensure urban regions have the Urban problems and challenges economic and social foundation for balance, that’s Great require locally-made solutions. the 21st Century. government.” Canada’s Urban Strategy is the [Rienk de Vries, Managing federal government’s approach to Director, EMA Canada, Centre for Municipal Value, collaborate with all urban partners to Toronto, 2002] seek solutions. 10 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Three Priority Programs

he Interim Report of the Task Investing in the three pillars of Force on Urban Issues proposed Canada’s Urban Strategy; housing, Tthree priority programs as the transit and infrastructure, will reduce “When our urban centres major pillars of Canada’s Urban pressures on municipalities for these are doing well, all Strategy. These three national large capital expenditures. governments benefit from programs will form the foundation for The Government of Canada’s approach will not be to micro-manage the increased revenues and urban revitalization and provide the basis for sustainable long-term fund- individual projects, but to set direc- fiscal flexibility to pursue ing for major projects: tions and objectives and provide the public policy priorities”. resources to achieve them. Spending ■ Affordable Housing [Toronto Board of Trade, on projects and programs should only pre-budget submission to the ■ Transit/Transportation federal government, be in accordance with regional plans November 2001] ■ Sustainable Infrastructure and targets developed by, and in part- nership with, provinces and munici- It is clear, there needs to be a new palities, and designed to meet federal fiscal arrangement for municipalities objectives. Such plans should to ensure sustainability is a main consider regional situations and component in any type of funding for include clear performance measures multi-year planning. and criteria for evaluation. THREE PRIORITY PROGRAMS 11

A NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM

Recommendation from the Interim Report Establish a National Affordable Housing program that will strengthen the mandate of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to develop a National Affordable Housing Program in collaboration with all orders of government and housing providers.

The Task Force is pleased that in the particularly affects the working poor 2002 Throne Speech, the Government and low-to-middle income earners. of Canada recognized the need for Every day, hundreds more families more investment in affordable hous- face eviction and homelessness. ing; “it will extend its investments in [CMHC, Annual Rental Survey, affordable housing for those whose November 2001] needs are greatest, particularly in All thriving urban regions need those Canadian cities where the sufficient affordable housing for all problem is most acute”. levels of income including the working This commitment will assist those poor. We must ensure sufficient urban communities with serious housing housing for immigrants coming to our problems. cities and for large numbers of people Our Interim Report highlighted who make our urban regions the housing needs in urban regions and dynamic places they are now and will described the lack of affordable hous- be in the future. ing and homelessness as one of the During its consultations, the Task social and economic effects of growth Force heard from many provinces that in Canada’s major centres. have not had significant construction During our consultations, we of new rental housing for over two learned of many examples of success- decades as a result of discouraging ful and innovative projects built with tax rules instituted in the early both private and public partnerships. 1970's. As well, CMHC withdrew from We heard from regions where the building social housing. It was also housing shortage is critical and will suggested that rent control regimes only get worse without a large infusion and inequitable taxation by provincial of capital and creative thinking on the and municipal governments exacer- part of all orders of government. bated this situation. We recognize that With a low national vacancy rate, all governments must work together to the country’s largest urban centres resolve a serious shortage of afford- are losing affordable rental units at an able housing in our major urban alarming rate. Canada Mortgage and centres. No single government can Housing Corporation’s annual rental resolve this situation alone. market survey shows rents also The private sector should also be increasing, creating less available and part of the solution. In the report of affordable low-cost rental housing in the Rental Working Group for the City the larger urban areas. This situation of Toronto, urban developers and 12 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

others in the industry throughout more public/private partnerships in Canada, expressed their ideas on the affordable housing market. fiscal incentives for rental housing. The $680 million federal Affordable They stated that they are willing to Housing Program, announced in build new classes of affordable Budget 2001, is a good start but is housing if conditions, such as equal just not sufficient to meet the needs tax treatment, are made favourable. across the country. [“Unlocking the Opportunity for New This program, and the commitment Rental Housing: A Call to Action”, City announced in the 2002 Throne of Toronto, June 2001]. Speech, should form the basis for a In response to our recommenda- long-term National Affordable Housing tions in the Interim Report, CMHC, Program that will provide an effective together with the Chair of the Task and more sustainable means of Force and the Parliamentary increasing the supply of affordable Secretary to the Minister responsible housing. for CMHC, will host a National Housing not only means providing Housing Forum to focus on private new affordable units. It also means sector opportunities. Representatives exploring concepts such as redevelop- from the building and development ment of brownfields and controlling industry, as well as financial and development patterns – both will business leaders, will explore ways to influence transportation, environmen- overcome obstacles that might lead to tal and social infrastructure patterns.

The Task Force recommends the Government of Canada commit to a National Affordable Housing Program that should include: ■ A Cabinet review of CMHC’s mandate to allow more flexible arrangements with housing providers, non-profit corporations, the volunteer sector and other orders of government to seek creative and flexible solutions in regions where there are pressures; ■ Changes to CMHC mortgage insurance to allow greater flexibility; ■ Opportunities for exploring partnerships with private and corporate pension funds such as the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System; ■ Reinvesting a portion of CMHC insurance profits into grants against the cost of CMHC mortgage insurance to assist non-profit housing groups; and ■ Recognition and promotion of building methods that go towards meeting targets on greenhouse gas emissions, and encouraging the use of Canadian- made environmentally “green” building materials and construction methods. THREE PRIORITY PROGRAMS 13

The Task Force recommends the Government of Canada: ■ Consider financing initiatives that include: – Accelerated depreciation on rental properties; – Defer capital gains and capital cost allowance on the sale of rental property when the proceeds are reinvested as affordable housing units (rollovers); “A national affordable – Revise the rate and method used to calculate capital-cost allowance (CCA) housing program must be against any losses and restore pooling provisions; put in place for seniors – Expand the definition of ‘soft costs’ for the first year of operations to allow and the working poor. We investors the ability to deduct these from new rental properties; – Change capital gains tax to encourage redevelopment of underused and need to overcome the derelict urban properties and lands; attitude of not wanting – A housing tax-credit program that recognizes some private investors and low income housing in our owners may take a loss of revenue on the low-income rental market; and neighbourhoods”. – Tax incentive programs similar to the U.S. (e.g. Low Income Housing Tax [Report from public consulta- tion meeting, , New Credit) as well as other housing subsidy programs. Brunswick, September 2002] Tax changes are crucial to create incentives for more and enhanced public/private partnerships. The role of government is essential to support lower income earners, particularly those who are paying more than 30% of their net income on rent. [CMHC target] The Task Force recommends the Government of Canada: ■ Consider targetting initiatives in urban areas that include: – Renewing the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) due to expire in March 31, 2003-for at least a further 3 years. Both the RRAP and Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative Program (SCPI) have been well received and are excellent examples of successful bi-partite partnerships between federal and municipal governments and individual homeowners; – Incorporating a degree of flexibility into the RRAP program to include consideration of the value of the home as well as the income level of the owners; – Linking housing targets to policies through an “urban lens” as a direct impact of federal legislation. The Urban Aboriginal Strategy could be used as a model for interdepartmental groupings; – Giving special consideration to the critical need for housing among the urban aboriginal community and senior population; – Providing targeted mortgage insurance for brownfield redevelopment and revitalization in areas where there is a shortage of affordable housing; and – Offering grants to non-profit housing groups to support the restoration and conversion of heritage properties to affordable housing. 14 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

A NATIONAL TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Recommendations from the Interim Report

Establish a National Transportation Program that would: ■ Provide long-term sustainable funding for public transportation systems; ■ Invest strategically in integrated multi-modal transportation systems; ■ Invest in high-speed rail service to connect major centres; and ■ Ensure that unused railway rights-of-way and corridors are preserved and made available at net salvage value or at no cost for future transit or be developed into recreational trails.

In our Interim Report we recom- country over the next five years. CUTA mended a National Transportation also estimates that “current transit Program and we repeat this in our budgets can only meet $6.8 billion of final report. A healthy, sustainable the total needs. Without new and transportation network is vital to the creative funding sources, insufficient success of urban regions. capital investment will place pressure We congratulate the government for on current operating budgets, increase its announced intention to set up a life-cycle costs, limit access to services, 10-year Infrastructure Program that and have a negative impact on the includes a component for a strategy environment”. [CUTA, Partnership in for a transportation system: “Within Urban Transit, Submission to the this framework, it will introduce a new House of Commons Standing strategy for a safe, efficient and envi- Committee on Finance, September ronmentally responsible transportation 2002] system that will help reduce congestion There is no doubt that our roads in our cities and bottlenecks in our are congested, air quality is deterio- trade corridors”. [Speech from the rating and low-density sprawl is Throne, 2002] encroaching on the countryside. This is an important step towards Traffic congestion is increasingly the recognition of urban transit as an becoming an economic burden and an area of long-term national investment. environmental threat. The costs of The Canadian Urban Transit driving continue to increase. It is Association (CUTA) estimates that estimated that gridlock costs the $13.6 billion is required to meet tran- Greater Toronto Region alone, sit infrastructure needs across the $2 billion annually in lost produc-

Currently, the Government of Canada has several transportation related programs: Strategic Highways Infrastructure Program $ 600 Million 2002 – 2007 Border Infrastructure Fund $ 600 Million 2002 – 2007 Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund includes: Total allocation for the 1. Highways and Railway Infrastructure Fund – all five categories 2002 – 2. Local Transportation Infrastructure $ 2 Billion THREE PRIORITY PROGRAMS 15

tivity. [Toronto Board of Trade: components, and minimizes the use Presentation to the Ontario Standing of land and the production of noise. Committee on Finance and Economic [The Centre for Sustainable Affairs, February 2001] Transportation, September 1997] To build world-class, competitive The Task Force firmly believes that urban regions, all orders of govern- this definition forms a solid base of ment must invest in multi-modal objectives for a national Transit/ “Transportation is critical transit systems. Canada is the only Transportation Program. G-7 country without a national transit The Task Force wants to see an to Canada’s trade- investment program. Keeping pace increased emphasis on multi-modal dependent economy. About with demand will require a commit- transit to integrate regions where one-half of our economy – ment to transit infrastructure from all Canadians live, work and play and to from agriculture to orders of government. connect the rural areas with the manufacturing to tourism – urban core. This includes improved Strategic Objectives for passenger and freight rail-links, inter- depends on Responding to the Challenges modal systems to connect rail, road, transportation”. and Realizing the Vision air and sea, as well as regional transit [“The importance of The broad objective for a National Revitalizing Canada’s systems such as Ontario’s GO Train Transportation Infrastructure”, Transportation/Transit Program is to Western Transportation services. Advisory Council, July 2002.] facilitate implementation of sustain- Investments in rail networks will able transportation defined by the involve improvements to railway infra- Centre for Sustainable Transportation structure such as grade separation. as a system that: This is an important issue for the ■ Allows the basic needs of individu- safety of residents where railroads als to be met safely and in a pass through residential areas. manner consistent with human and An efficient, fast rail system linking ecosystem health, and with equity all parts of Canada will reduce within and between generations; congestion in the urban centres, and ■ Is affordable, operates efficiently, promote commuter and passenger offers a choice of transport mode, rail as an alternative mode of and supports a vibrant economy; transportation. ■ Limits emissions and waste within Consumer or “user fees” are gaining the planet’s ability to absorb them, acceptance as a means by which minimizes consumption of non- provincial and regional governments renewable resources, limits can raise much needed cash without consumption of renewable raising taxes. These fees also have the resources to the sustainable level of potential to change behavioural yield, reuses and recycles its patterns. 16 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

The Task Force recommends the Government of Canada commit to a National Transit/Transportation Program that will: ■ Consolidate current federal transit/transportation programs into a National Transit/Transportation Program; ■ Create further tax incentives to aid the construction and use of public transit; ■ Amend the Income Tax Act to permit employers to provide transit benefits to employees on an income tax exempt status. A personal income tax exemption gives employers the incentive to offer transit benefits to their employees. This in turn, motivates drivers to use public transit; ■ Encourage the expansion of the ‘Ecopass’ and ‘Passe Partout’ Programs, currently a federal pilot program in the National Capital Region, to other federal employees to allow payroll deductions for the purchase of transit passes; ■ Treat employer-provided free parking in large urban centres as a taxable benefit where there is readily accessible public transit. Taxes collected under this method should be dedicated to transit programs; ■ Consider tax incentives to Canadian companies that implement traffic reduction programs such as shuttle services from main transit intersections to places of work; and ■ Invest in a high-speed inter-city rail network with upgraded railway infrastructure, including grade separations and traffic control systems. A National Transit/Transportation Program will have specific criteria, performance measures, rigorous evaluation and monitoring of all projects funded under this program. THREE PRIORITY PROGRAMS 17

A NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Recommendation from the Interim Report Establish a long-term National Infrastructure Program that will build on current programs to provide stable, reliable funding (i.e. 15 years)

In our Interim Report, the Task Force structure is critical to the quality of recommended a long term National life and everyday function of our Infrastructure Program. We congratu- cities. It is the foundation for late the government for its announced economic growth and development. intention to set up a new 10-year We heard that many municipal infrastructure program: “working with governments are unable to meet the provinces and municipalities, the demand. At the same time they government will put in place a ten-year are constrained by their inability to program for infrastructure to accommo- finance large projects through date long-term strategic initiatives property taxes. essential to competitiveness and The need is greatest in the largest sustainable growth”. [Speech from the urban regions where the demand for Throne, 2002] infrastructure like highways, trans- This is a continuation and an portation systems, airports, bridges, extension of an agenda that began in water and sewage treatment plants 1993 to assist provinces and and housing are paramount. This is municipalities with the high costs of where urban revitalization is also a infrastructure. key area of investment. The The table below provides a Federation of Canadian Municipalities summary of the infrastructure initia- estimates a $44 billion shortfall in tives and programs of the Government infrastructure funding across Canada. of Canada since 2000. [Federation of Canadian Municipalities: In the Interim Report, the Task Early Warning: Will Canadian Cities Force showed how sustainable infra- Compete? 2001]

Infrastructure Programs / Initiatives Name Funding Funding Period Physical Infrastructure Initiative Infrastructure Canada $ 2.05 B 2000 – 2007 Strategic Highways Infrastructure Program $ 600 M 2002 – 2007 Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund $ 2.0 B min 2002 – Border Infrastructure Fund $ 600 M 2002 – 2007 $ 250 M FCM “Green” Funds 2000 – (endowments) Affordable Housing Program $ 680 M 2002 – 2007 Cultural Spaces Canada Program $ 80 M 2001 – 2004 18 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

The Task Force recognizes that urban planning from a fiscal perspec- large and long-term projects take time tive. Such questions include: Is taxing to plan. Provinces and municipalities & spending in cities adversely affect- need a farsighted long-term approach ing the urban environment? In some that allows for changes in budgets, instances, fiscal measures work time-frames, land use planning, and against ‘greenfields’ and ‘brownfields’ priorities. or the regeneration of the urban core. “A new deal for cities Decisions on major projects in A long-term infrastructure program should be a new deal for urban regions such as transit, infra- will allow the Government of Canada Canada’s urban regions, structure and housing are shaped by an opportunity to show leadership on not a ‘bail-out’ for existing costs, pricing, taxation and the poli- urban sustainability and urban revi- municipalities. We must cies of other governments. Basic ques- talization, not only through its own tions such as where to build roads, practices and policies but also by begin to view funding transit stations, libraries and schools, engaging the broader community and transit and infrastructure etc. are governed in large part by other orders of government in projects on a regional basis rather capital, operational and maintenance that meet specific targets of environ- than simply funding costs. mental and fiscal sustainability. separate municipal Ground-breaking research is The 2002 Throne Speech acknowl- currently being undertaken by the edges the importance of infrastructure governments.” National Roundtable on the as key to the prosperity of our cities [“Cities in the New Canada”, prepared for TD Forum on Environment and the Economy into and the health of our communities. Canada’s Standard of Living, by Joe Berridge, Urban Strategies fiscal objectives for sustainability We must invest wisely and strategi- Inc. October 2002] through ecological fiscal reform. cally and make the right choices to The National Round Table on the ensure urban infrastructure is Environment and the Economy is sustainable for future economic and exploring various measures that affect social success. THREE PRIORITY PROGRAMS 19

The Task Force recommends the Government of Canada commit to a National Sustainable Infrastructure Program that will include: ■ Stable capital investment so that provinces and municipalities can plan for long-term funding over a longer period of time, thus taking into consideration the fiscal capabilities of governments; ■ Mechanisms for long-term planning to manage local needs and priorities; ■ A focus on long-term strategies, while targeting regions on an “as needed” basis rather than on a per capita basis; ■ Cost-shared funding to support projects that comprise part of a longer-term municipal development plan; ■ Public/private partnerships essential to the goals of sustainable communities; ■ A strong “green” component in all projects; ■ A portion of funding for innovative sustainable communities that are conceived and built according to the principles of integrated sustainable development; ■ Criteria to take into account ecological fiscal measures to ensure sustainability; ■ Incentives for district energy systems; ■ A central inventory of federally owned lands and buildings, their current and future use that could have the potential for strategic urban redevelopment; and ■ Removal or reduction of the capital gains tax on the restoration, preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. A National Sustainable Infrastructure Program will have specific criteria, performance measurements, rigorous evaluation and monitoring of all projects funded under this program. MOVING FORWARD TO 2020 21

Moving Forward to 2020

n May 2001, the Prime Minister strong economic growth and social proposed an extensive agenda for cohesion. It is a vision that means a Ithis Task Force – to study Canadian change in direction, a significant shift Urban Issues and respond with in government policy that has the recommendations. potential to revitalize urban regions Our interim recommendations were and position them successfully in the extremely well received. Many of our global, knowledge-based economy. All main recommendations are included regions, rural and urban, are equally in the Government of Canada’s important and must do well. In our legislative agenda for the new session vision, we see a new era of coopera- of Parliament, announced in the 2002 tion where coordination and collabo- Throne Speech. ration, in partnership with all orders We believe our final recommenda- of government, will create the ‘Canada tions are the building blocks of a We Want’. national urban revitalization and A useful first measure to launch innovation agenda for this Canada’s Urban Strategy on the Government and for Canada. national stage would be to call an The Final Report of the Task Force Urban Summit with First Ministers is by no means the last step. The responsible for Municipal Affairs, and Government of Canada must seize the with key urban experts. opportunity to put in place those This blueprint is the next step into measures that will give urban regions the future. Let us have the courage the tools they need to move forward. and the vision to take the next ones A piecemeal approach will not work. on our journey. This is an exciting Housing, transit and sustainable opportunity for all governments to infrastructure cannot stand alone and shape the future direction of Canada. should be the main pillars of the Working together, we can build our Government of Canada’s plans for nation into a successful and prosper- urban action. ous Canada, confident that all regions Our vision for Canada in 2020 is have the foundation to lead us into more than sustainable communities, the 21st century. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 23

Acknowledgements The Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues wishes to acknowledge and thank the contribution of our parliamentary colleagues and the following individuals and organizations. Without their assistance, guidance and encour- agement, the work of the Task Force and the preparation of both the Interim and Final Reports would not have been possible. We thank each and every one for their help and support throughout this challenging and exciting period.

MINISTERS AND SECRETARIES OF STATE Dennis Mills Hon. David Anderson Carolyn Parrish Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua Marcel Proulx Hon. Ethel Blondin-Andrew Hon. Hon. LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT Hon. David Collenette Hon. Sheila Copps NATIONAL LIBERAL CAUCUS RESEARCH BUREAU Hon. SENATE LIBERAL RESOURCE CENTRE Hon. Stéphane Dion Robin Russell

Hon. John Manley STATISTICS CANADA Hon. ALCATEL CANADA INC. Hon. Anne McLellan Harvey R. Hart, Business Hon. Andy Mitchell Development Manager Hon. Stephen Owen Hon. Allan Rock ALLIANCE OF SENIORS TO PROTECT CANADA'S SOCIAL PROGRAMS Hon. Jane Stewart Jack Pinkus, President SENATORS BURLINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Hon. Jerry Grafstein CORPORATION Hon. David Smith Don Baxter, Executive Director MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT CANADIAN URBAN INSTITUTE Larry Bagnell Hon. David Crombie, President and John Bryden Chief Executive Officer Sarmite Bulte CANADIAN URBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION Murray Calder Michael Roschlau, President and Derek Lee Chief Executive Officer Amelia Shaw, Manager of John Harvard Public Affairs Steve Mahoney CANADA WEST FOUNDATION Hon. Dr. Roger Gibbins, President and John McKay Chief Executive Officer 24 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

CARLETON UNIVERSITY GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Katherine A. H. Graham, Professor, Hon. Greg Halsey-Brandt, Minister of Dean Designate State for Intergovernmental Affairs Faculty of Public Affairs and Hon. George Abbott, Minister of Management Community, Aboriginal and

CARPENTER’S LOCAL 27 Women’s Services JOINT APPRENTICESHIP & TRUST FUND INC. GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN Eddie Thornton, Executive Director Hon. Ron Osika, Minister of CITY OF MONCTON Government Relations

Brian F. P. Murphy, Mayor HALTON REGION Eric Arsenault, Director of Systems Leo DeLoyde, General Manager of Development, Engineering and Development & Infrastrucuture, Public Works City of Burlington Mike Sullivan, Assistant City Manager Tim Dobbie, City Manager, City of CITY OF REGINA Burlington Pat Fiacco, Mayor Jane Fogal, Councillor, Ward 3, Mike Badham, City Councillor, Ward 1 Town of Halton Hills Bill Hutchinson, City Councillor, Gordon Krantz, Mayor, Town of Milton Ward 2 Rob MacIsacc, Mayor, City of Burlington CITY OF VANCOUVER Philip Owen, Mayor Ann Mulvale, Mayor, Town of Oakville Joyce Savoline, Regional Chair, CITY OF VICTORIA Region of Halton Alan Lowe, Mayor Keith Strong, President, BEDC Board CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA KIRKLAND PARTNERSHIP INC. Anne Golden, President and Michael Kirkland Chief Executive Officer ARTHUR KROEGER DELCAN CORPORATION Doug Floyd, Vice President MINTO DEVELOPMENTS INC. Roger Greenberg, President EMA CANADA Jack Stirling, Vice President, Natasha Bartlett, Marketing Land Development Rienk de Vries, Managing Director CLAUS MOHR ENID SLACK CONSULTING INC. Dr. Enid Slack, President NATIONAL ROUND TABLE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES David McGuinty, President and CEO James W. Knight, Chief Executive Mike Harcourt, Chair, Urban Officer Sustainability Task Force GIRAFFE COMMUNICATIONS INC. Edwin Aquilina, Member Doug Crocker, President Meg Ogden, Policy Advisor ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 25

NEPTIS FOUNDATION UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA Tony Coombes, Executive Director Dr. Barry Wellar, Professor

POLICY CONCEPTS Faculty of Arts Dr. Peter Regenstreif YORK UNIVERSITY

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS Dr. Lorna Marsden, President Diana Santo, Vice President, Peter Ross, Office of Research and Real Estate Planning Services Innovation Dr. Stan Shapson, Vice President, RBC FINANCIAL GROUP Research and Innovation Charles Coffey, Executive Vice Jeff Turner, Design and Production President, Government and Services Supervisor Community Affairs

REGINA REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY We especially wish to thank the staff Tim Feduniw, President and CEO of the members of the Task Force. Bob Peterson, Vice Chairman, In particular, the staff of Chair, Judy Board of Directors Sgro, MP, who spent countless hours DR. LESLIE SEIDLE working with the Task Force over the STEPHEN G. MCLAUGHLIN CONSULTANTS INC. course of this mandate and in the Stephen McLaughlin, President preparation of both the interim and final reports. Their extraordinary SUSSEX CIRCLE dedication, organization and careful Jim Mitchell, Partner attention to detail made the job of THE TORONTO BOARD OF TRADE the Task Force so much easier and Elyse Allan, President and CEO so successful. TD BANK FINANCIAL GROUP Derek Burleton, Senior Economist Judy Borges Don Drummond, Senior Vice Jenny Hooper President and Chief Economist Emily Marangoni Joseph Fiorini, Vice President, Debt Rossanna Pena Capital Markets, TD Securities Patricia Pepper Jamey Hubbs, Managing Director Ihor Wons Government Finance Kay Hsu, Vittoria Maggisano, and

JOE TORZSOK Claudia Tuzi – former staff Lorne Randa – formerly seconded TOTAL CREDIT RECOVERY LIMITED from the National Liberal Caucus Jim McFarlane, Vice President Research Bureau Corporate Services Lindsey Richardson – former TRENT UNIVERSITY Parliamentary Intern Harry Kitchen, Professor Department of Economics

UNIVERSAL WORKER’S UNION, LOCAL 183 Andy Manahan, Development Promotion Representative 26 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

Written Submissions: Phase II

ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CITY OF BARRIE DISTRICTS AND COUNTIES Jim Perri, Mayor Jack Hayden, President CITY OF BRANTFORD ALCATEL CANADA INC. Marguerite Ceschi-Smith MSc., Walter Friesen, General Manager Councillor

AMERESCO CANADA CITY OF CALGARY Mario Iusi, President, Canadian Dave Bronconnier, Mayor Operations CITY OF OSHAWA BURTON-LESBURY HOLDINGS LIMITED Nancy L. Diamond, Mayor Robert L. Burton CITY OF REGINA CALGARY HEALTH REGION ABORIGINAL Pat Fiacco, Mayor COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL Victoria Budd, Member, Aboriginal CITY OF SASKATOON Health Council Phil Richards, City Manager Donna Lentjes, MSc., Director, CITY OF TORONTO Aboriginal Health Program Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk

Debra Murray, Chair, Aboriginal CITY OF VAUGHAN Community Health Council Mario G. Racco, Councillor Violet White, Aboriginal Network CITY OF WINDSOR Resource Coordinator John Skorobohacz, Commissioner of CALGARY HEALTH REGION Council Services and City Clerk HEALTHY COMMUNITIES Judy Bader, Executive Director COMMUNAUTÉ MÉTROPOLITAINE DE MONTRÉAL CANADA25 Massimo Iezzoni, directeur géneral Andrew Medd, Executive Director CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING FEDERATION CANADIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA David Flewelling, C.A., President René Daoust, President

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS NEW WESTMINSTER

CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS Mary Pyneburg, M.R.A.I.C., M.C.I.P., David O. Palubeski, M.C.I.P., President Director of Planning

CANADIAN URBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION ECOCRETO ONTARIO Michael Roschlau, President and Margarita Martinez, President Chief Executive Officer Harry Wiseman

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH EDMONTON FEDERATION OF COMMUNITY LEAGUES William Veenstra, Director, Brian McCosh, Community Planning Canadian Ministries Advisor WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS:PHASE II 27

EDMONTON TRANSIT SYSTEM ADVISORY BOARD MIZIWE BIIK Debra Gillett, Chair Nancy Martin, Executive Director

ENWAVE DISTRICT ENERGY LIMITED MONCTON CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTRE Steven Zucchet, Chief Operating Mary Tower, Co-ordinator, Special Officer Projects/Grants Sheppard's Inn

EVERGREEN MONCTON TOWN HALL FORUM, Stewart Chisholm, Common Grounds SEPTEMBER 2002 Manager, Capacity Building and Hosted by Hon. Claudette Bradshaw, Education P.C., M.P., Moncton-Riverview- Dieppe FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES James W. Knight, Chief Executive NATIONAL ABORIGINAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION Officer Charles W. Hill, President

GO FOR GREEN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF Francine Godin, Executive Director FRIENDSHIP CENTRES Alfred J. Gay, Policy Analyst GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Hon. George Abbott, Minister of NATIONAL HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE Community, Aboriginal and Michael Shapcott, Co-Chair Women's Services ONTARIO SEWER AND WATERMAIN GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION Hon. Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Dave Pagnan, President Social Service Nova Scotia and Sam Morra, P.Eng, Executive Director Municipal Relations PREMIER BUSINESS SOLUTIONS GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN Michael Thompson, President Hon. Ron Osika, Minister of REGION OF PEEL Government Relations Emil Kolb, Regional Chair GREATER VANCOUVER GATEWAY COUNCIL REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO Larry Berg, Chair G.A. Thompson, MASc., R.P.P., P.Eng, GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Chief Administrative Officer George Puil, Chair, GVRD Board REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSIONERS of Directors OF ONTARIO HERITAGE CANADA FOUNDATION Alex Georgieff, M.C.I.P., R.P.P., Chair

Brian Anthony, Executive Director THE LEARNING ENRICHMENT FOUNDATION LAIDLAW FOUNDATION Eunice M. Grayson, Executive Director

Paul Zarnke, President THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON LOCAL 79, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC Joyce Savoline, Regional Chairman EMPLOYEES THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK Ann Dembinski, President Bill Fisch, B.COM., LLB., Regional MAYORS AND REEVES OF MANITOBA'S Chair and Chief Executive Officer CAPITAL REGION Daile J. Unruh, Consultant 28 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

THE ROYAL ARCHITECTURAL INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA OF CANADA Dr. H. Peter Oberlander, Professor Jon Hobbs, M.R.A.I.C., Architect, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN Executive Director Bernard Flaman, SAA, M.R.A.I.C., THE TORONTO BOARD OF TRADE Planner, Facilities Management Elyse Allan, President and Chief Division Executive Officer VERDIROC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION Kevin Green, President and AUTHORITY,WATERSHED MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer DIVISION Larry Field, Waterfront Specialist YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT PLAN Mary Francis Turner, Executive TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY Coordinator Gillian Mason, Chair, Toronto Public

Library Board OTHERS TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA Fernand Arsenault Randal Williams, President and Clayton Balabanov Chief Executive Officer Alastair MacPhee Ali M. Manji TOWN OF AJAX Steve Parish, Mayor Lorie Marangoni Steven Megannety TOWN OF MARKHAM Albert J. Mettler, Consultant in W. Donald Cousens, Mayor Electric Railway Design TRANSLINK Clarissa Morawski Doug McCallum, Chair George Seaden TRENT UNIVERSITY Gordon Sharwood Harry Kitchen, Professor Jeffrey Stone Jordan Velestuk RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INTERIM REPORT 29

Recommendations from the Interim Report – May 2002

The Task Force recommends that the Government of Canada: 1. Develop An Urban Strategy for Canada which includes: – An integrated approach to policy and program development in order to deliver a cohesive, effective urban strategy; – Examining the effect and impact of federal policies and programs on urban regions (i.e. urban lens); – A strong urban partnership developed in collaboration with all orders of government, the community, the private sector, and citizens through bilateral, trilateral and multilateral agreements and initiatives; – Priority initiatives that include: – A National Affordable Housing Program – A National Infrastructure Program – A National Transportation Program – An advisory body to provide on-going consultation and advice on urban policy to the Government of Canada; and – Fostering research on best practices, providing intelligence on trends and conditions, and communicating the Government of Canada’s activities related to urban issues. 2. Initiate further dialogue and debate on the mechanisms required to design and implement an Urban Strategy. 3. Continue to collaborate with other orders of government and support development of regional economic growth strategies that establish priority action plans. 4. Continue to work with the Provinces towards the harmonization of inter-provincial professional qualifications and trade certification. 5. Build on the success of the Sustainable Cities Initiative and continue to brand and support Canadian urban centres as sources of innovation and sustainability. 6. Build on existing partnerships with universities and the public/private sectors to support and facilitate research and development, and innovation. 7. Continue to invest in e-government programs. 8. Establish a long-term National Infrastructure Program that will build on current programs to provide stable, reliable funding (i.e. 15 years). 9. Establish A National Transportation Program that would: – Provide long-term sustainable funding for public transportation systems; – Invest strategically in integrated multi-modal transportation systems; and – Invest in high-speed rail service to connect major centres. 30 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

10. Ensure that unused railway rights-of-way and corridors are preserved and made available at net salvage value or at no cost for future transit or be developed into recreational trails. 11. Review the federal income support systems to ensure they are meeting the needs of Canada’s most vulnerable population. 12. Continue to work with all orders of government and childcare agencies to ensure that all children have access to quality childcare and early education, and reaffirm our commitment to eliminating child poverty. 13. Implement a National Drug Strategy that will involve all orders of government, community agencies and the voluntary sector. 14. Establish A National Affordable Housing Program that could include: – Strengthening the mandate of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to develop A National Affordable Housing Program in collaboration with all orders of government, and housing providers; – Building on existing federal housing programs; – Changes to CMHC mortgage underwriting criteria to allow a more customized and flexible system; – Providing additional resources and flexibility in the RRAP program to rehabilitate existing properties; – Examining the federal tax environment related to rental housing and creating appropriate incentives; – Establishing grants against the cost of CMHC mortgage insurance; – Providing targeted mortgage insurance for brownfield redevelopment in areas where there is a shortage of affordable housing; – Facilitating agreements with municipalities to transfer small tracts of surplus land, owned by the Canada Lands Company, to community groups; and – Offering grants to community housing groups to support the restoration and conversion of heritage properties for affordable housing. 15. Extend the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) beyond three years in order to meet its objectives to eliminate homelessness. 16. Review the policy and planning process for funding of programs for urban Aboriginal people, and develop a more collaborative and coordinated approach with other orders of government to strategically fund and better deliver services and programs to Aboriginal people in urban areas. 17. Partner with other orders of government and community Aboriginal groups to find ways to lower poverty levels, provide employment opportunities and expand the stock of affordable housing for urban Aboriginal population, especially among youth. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INTERIM REPORT 31

18. Work with our urban partners to increase the number of pilot projects in selected urban centres as currently included in the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. 19. Encourage cooperation between Urban Reserves and surrounding urban regions. 20. Examine current policies and develop ways to target the special needs of the urban Aboriginal population, including Metis and non-Status Indians. 21. Strengthen educational supports, in cooperation with First Nations, Metis and non- status Indians at post secondary levels to better meet the needs of Aboriginal peoples in urban centres. 22. Develop a cohesive approach that involves the coordination between orders of government, and non-governmental organizations that offer settlement services, language training and cultural resources to better meet the needs of the immigrant population. 23. Review with provincial and municipal governments the formula for funding settlement, integration programs and services in urban centres. 24. Consult and work with urban regions on immigration policies/programs. 25. Increase the resources to non-government organizations and community groups to provide additional support services for families, particularly language classes for women and their children. 26. Inform prospective immigrants and new arrivals about conditions and services in Canada BEFORE they leave their country of origin, and include a well-developed and up-to-date “Welcome to Canada” package listing the various services available to newcomers. 27. Streamline the Immigration and Refugee Board process in order to ensure that all claims are processed with maximum efficiency and as expeditiously as possible. 28. Provide access to appropriate upgrading/training programs for newcomers, as well as assessment of credentials and access to trades and professions. 29. Encourage Human Resources Development Canada to enter into more sectoral agreements to facilitate the quick and efficient entry of temporary foreign workers to fill national and regional labour shortages. 30. Convene a bi-annual Conference on Immigration with all orders of government. This will assist provinces and urban regions with declining populations to benefit from national expertise and resources to attract newcomers. 31. Continue negotiations with provincial governments that have not yet signed the bilateral agreement on immigration policies. 32. Continue to provide resources and cooperate with all orders of government and communities to ensure that police and emergency services have sufficient resources to adequately protect Canadians. 33. Continue to support innovative community-driven initiatives through our crime prevention program. 32 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

34. Continue to strengthen our investment in the arts and cultural sector in our urban communities. 35. Provide grants to support the restoration and conversion of heritage properties and develop mechanisms to encourage redevelopment and restoration for both commercial and residential uses. 36. Consider mechanisms to encourage more investments and donations to Community Foundations, philanthropic and charitable organizations, and community groups. 37. Facilitate the sharing of best practises among the voluntary sector and charitable organizations. 38. Continue to acknowledge and recognize the important contribution of the volunteer sector to building a nation of strong communities. 39. Ensure that any infrastructure program includes the opportunity to focus efforts on municipal water infrastructure by providing: – Traditional tripartite contributions for communities which do not have the revenue-generating capacity to support full-cost pricing; and – Revolving funds offering low- and no-interest loans for larger urban communities that can, over time, move to full-cost pricing. 40. Continue to consult with all orders of government and encourage existing federal guidelines to be used as a standard for drinking water quality. 41. Support the redevelopment and cleaning of ports and harbours. 42. Consider creating A National Building Retrofit Strategy to encourage and facilitate energy efficiency. This could involve: – Creating a National Better Building revolving fund to help facilitate retrofitting in commercial and institutional buildings; – Providing tax credits to homeowners and businesses that undertake energy efficiency retrofits; and – Supporting a national community-based home retrofit advisory service network. 43. Set higher fuel economy standards for new vehicles and support innovation, research and development leading to more sustainable urban transportation systems. 44. Encourage Government of Canada employees to reduce vehicle use by locating government buildings and services along existing public transit service and make bus pass purchases easy through programs like ECOPASS. 45. Support the development of new renewable fuel and GHG reduction technologies. 46. Support minimum efficiency standards for new power generation facilities. 47. Work with our partners in government to create an integrated risk assessment and liability management framework that harmonizes federal and provincial regulations. 48. Consider targeted mortgage insurance and appropriate tax incentives for brownfield redevelopment. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INTERIM REPORT 33

49. Continue to provide support for completion of brownfields inventories, risk assessments and community consultations. 50. Encourage innovation in ecological design by creating incentives for the private sector and municipalities to incorporate ecologically sound and smart growth principles, and to acknowledge successful private-public partnerships on smart growth. 51. Adopt and showcase sound urban design practices by incorporating ecologically sustainable landscape practices on government lands, and incorporate smart growth principles by building and locating government services in urban cores and along transit corridors. 52. Support the acquisition of critical urban green space by assisting community partnerships such as land trusts and conservation organizations and provide incentives to allow land donations for conservation purposes. 34 CANADA’S URBAN STRATEGY:ABLUEPRINT FOR ACTION

PRIME MINISTER’S CAUCUS TASK FORCE ON URBAN ISSUES ANNOUNCED

May 9, 2001 Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the creation of a Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues. Creation of the Task Force is a key part of fulfilling the commitment made in Opportunity for All, the 2000 Liberal election platform, to engage in a dialogue with citizens, experts and other orders of government on the opportunities and challenges facing our urban regions.

“Over the last few decades, our cities have prospered and grown to become the places where a majority of Canadians live work and play,” said the Prime Minister. “And, while our cities have responded well to many of the challenges of rapid growth, it is clear that strengthened partnerships will be required to sustain and enhance the quality of life in our large urban areas. I am delighted that our Caucus will be providing me with advice on how the Government of Canada can better focus its efforts in cities.”

The Government Canada is an active partner with governments, the private and voluntary sectors and individual Canadians across a wide spectrum of programs and services that ensure that urban Canadians can have safe streets, quality health care, a strong economy, access to post-secondary education, parks and museums, affordable housing, pensions and income support for families. It is also a major land owner and employer in urban centres.

The Task Force on Urban Issues will consult with citizens, experts and other orders of government to explore how we can work more collaboratively, within our federal jurisdiction, to strengthen quality of life in our large urban centres.

The Task Force will place a special emphasis on: – key opportunities for increasing economic competitiveness in our cities; – environmental issues such as air, water quality and land-use; – approaches to strengthening cultural assets; – urban transit; – effective approaches to settlement and integration services for newcomers to Canada, bearing in mind existing agreements with provinces; – the specific needs and circumstances of at risk populations such as urban Aboriginal people, recent immigrants, persons with disabilities and the homeless; and – crime-related issues facing large urban centres including substance abuse and sustainable prevention responses. PRESS RELEASE 35

The Task Force will deliver an interim report by April 2002 and a final report by December 2002.

Members of the Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues:

Chair: Judy Sgro, MP (York West) Vice Chair: Bernard Patry, MP (Pierrefonds-Dollard) Vice Chair: Senator Tommy Banks (Alberta)

Members: , MP, () Carole-Marie Allard, MP, (Laval Est) Mauril Bélanger, MP, (Ottawa-Vanier) Senator Thelma Chalifoux, (Alberta) Stephen Owen, MP, (Vancouver-Quadra) Geoff Regan, MP,(Halifax West) Andy Savoy, MP, (Tobique-Mactaquac) Hélène Scherrer, MP, (Louis Hébert) Allan Tonks, MP, (York South-Weston) Bryon Wilfert, MP, (Oak Ridges)

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555