Water main break forces residents out of homes in Toronto

Several basements have completely flooded in -10C temperatures after a cast-iron watermain ruptured. The City is holding the homeowners on a TTC bus as a temporary measure while the gas and electricity have been turned off.

Two more houses had partially-flooded basements, but they were able to keep their heat and water on. Damages to the houses are estimated at nearly $1 million. Officials say they are unsure when residents will be allowed to return to their homes.

Why do watermains break?

The City of Toronto has put together an entertaining and informative flash video, describing exactly why iron watermains tend to break now that the colder weather has hit.

On average, water mains in Toronto are about 55 years old. The chance of breaks increases with the onset of cold weather after milder periods. But the primary cause of watermain breaks isn't colder weather... it's corrosion.

Winnipeg gets creative to raise cash for infrastructure

How do you feel about the CanWest Global Freeway, or the Manitoba Moose Municipal Building? The Federation of Canadian Municipalities says Canadian cities share an infrastructure deficit of about $123 billion. So, how are the municipal governments supposed to provide services and repair infrastructure without raising property taxes?

Winnipeg has an idea that other cities might be interested in, corporate sponsorship. Instead of increasing taxes to repair potholes, Winnipeg's mayor Sam Katz says they are launching a campaign to raise money by selling off the naming rights to city services. Everything from library books, dog licenses and defibrillators will be up for up for grabs.

Flaherty says infrastructure cash to flow faster in '10, as economy improves

Federal stimulus projects are starting to snowball just as the economy is recovering from the global financial meltdown, says Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

Flaherty says cash will flow faster in 2010 for federally funded construction projects, now that numerous engineering studies and environmental assessments are being completed.

"They are snowballing, if I can put it that way."

Getting the best bang for the buck in the nation's infrastructure

Editors note: We normally focus on Canadian infrastructure developments, but we came across this article and thought it was too good not to share.)

"By opening municipal procurement and ensuring that more competitive bidding is tied to federal funds for underground infrastructure, the U.S. will save hundreds of billions, if not trillions, of dollars. It would also pave the way to a truly sustainable economy, more efficient utilities and pipe networks with much longer life cycles."

Comments, questions or concerns?

Let's chat. I can be reached at:

Veso Sobot, P. Eng.
Ipex Management Inc
(905) 795-6113
vessob@ipexna.com