Municipal Infrastructure is Crumbling and Needs a Long-Term Plan

For immediate release
Oct. 3, 2023 

St. John’s – Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to work together with our members on a planned approach to funding and supporting infrastructure in our communities.   

The municipal infrastructure needs in this province are extensive. More than a hundred communities are under boil water advisories on any given day, in part because existing infrastructure is failing and in need of repair or replacement; wastewater systems in several communities require upgrading to meet federal standards; municipal roads across the province are crumbling.  

MNL has long been advocating for changes to municipal infrastructure planning and funding. A 2013 report commissioned by MNL identified municipal infrastructure risks; a 2014 report laid out the drinking water issues facing smaller municipalities. A decade later, these issues remain unresolved. 

In addition to existing needs, municipal infrastructure is at risk from coastal erosion, storm damage, and other climate-related problems, requiring further investment and planning.  

Climate mitigation and infrastructure upgrade projects require planning and cooperation between levels of government to ensure projects are done in a timely manner. MNL is asking the Province to create a long-term infrastructure plan to resolve existing problems and prepare for future climate events.  

“These are immediate and widespread needs, and municipalities don’t have the capacity to deal with these costs on their own, which is why we’re asking for federal and provincial government cooperation to source solutions to municipal infrastructure needs.” – Amy Coady, MNL President.  

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Background:
Municipal Infrastructure report
Drinking water reports and background 

Media Contact:
Tobias Romaniuk
Communications and Marketing Officer, MNL
709 725 1440
tromaniuk@municipalnl.ca