The "Solving the crisis:" series explores the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity collapse, housing affordability and more. Each article highlights how Waterloo, a hub of research, innovation and creative thinking, is uniquely positioned to address these issues. Through this series, we highlight the dedication of researchers to tackling global crises and shaping a better future for all.
Don’t let your eyes glaze over at the mention of infrastructure, think of it as the unsung hero of your daily life. Imagine your morning commute, your child's walk to school or the simple act of turning on the tap and flushing the toilet. This isn’t boring, it’s a technological marvel that shapes our world and keeps everything running smoothly.
The infrastructure of a country includes its roads, bridges, airports and most importantly its underground systems such as water and wastewater management. Canada’s infrastructure crisis is a complex issue that impacts everything from public health to economic growth.
Dr. Carl T. Haas is a professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a University Research Chair
Dr. Carl Haas (BASc ’85), a professor of civil and environmental engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, provides valuable insights into the current state of Canada’s infrastructure and offered potential solutions.
One of the most pressing concerns in Canada’s infrastructure is the deteriorating state of underground systems, particularly water and wastewater infrastructure.
“These systems are often neglected because they are out of sight and out of mind. Yet, they are critical to public health and environmental sustainability,” Haas says. “Sewers are what keep us from all getting cholera.”
Much of Canada’s underground infrastructure has reached the end of its design life, and many of these systems are in poor condition or inadequate in design. The consequences of neglecting this vital infrastructure are already visible in cities like Calgary and Montreal, where recent water main breaks have caused significant disruptions to daily life.
“The public’s lack of awareness and interest in these issues is a significant barrier to addressing the problem,” Haas says. “Unlike more visible infrastructure failures, such as traffic delays or bridge collapses — the gradual deterioration of underground infrastructure doesn’t evoke an immediate emotional response from the public.”
Emphasizing long-term planning and investment
One of Haas’s key recommendations is to adopt a longer planning horizon for infrastructure projects.
“Countries with a history of valuing infrastructure, such as those in Europe and Asia, often design public facilities with a lifespan of hundreds of years. In contrast, Canada’s infrastructure is often built with a much shorter design life – leading to a cycle of investment, rapid deterioration and reinvestment.”
“By extending the design life of infrastructure projects, Canada could create a ‘virtuous cycle’ where good infrastructure leads to a strong economy, improved social equity and shared wealth,” Haas says. “However, this requires a shift in cultural attitudes and a willingness to invest in the future. It takes some money to invest in that kind of stuff, but the payoff is huge if we just have the will as a society.”
Leveraging new technologies and methods
Another solution lies in the adoption of new technologies and methods, such as trenchless repair and robotic systems, for the inspection and repair of infrastructure. These technologies, which include directional drilling and remote-controlled robots, can reduce the time, cost and disruption associated with traditional repair methods. Haas compared these innovations to arthroscopic surgery, where less invasive techniques lead to quicker recovery times.
However, Haas cautioned that the adoption of these technologies has been slow, partly due to a lack of education and confidence among those responsible for managing public utilities.
“If you’ve been working for 20 or 30 years in a public utilities office, you may just not have learned a lot about these techniques,” he explains. “Investing in education and training is needed to build confidence in these new methods.”
Rethinking privatization and competition
Privatization has often been touted as a solution to infrastructure financing, but Haas stressed that it must be managed carefully. While privatization can add value and help finance infrastructure projects, it can also lead to the creation of monopolies that capture markets and drive up costs without necessarily improving performance.
“Effective privatization only works when there's real competition and multiple options available to the public,” Haas says. “Take Pearson Airport in the Greater Toronto Area — its congestion and poor performance stem from being the only major airport in the region. Cities like New York and Paris, on the other hand, thrive because they have multiple airports, fostering competition and better service.”
Enhancing public engagement and understanding
Haas highlighted the importance of public engagement in solving Canada’s infrastructure crisis. He believes the lack of public demand for better infrastructure is partly to blame for the current situation.
“We haven’t asked for anything better,” he says. “If the public were more aware of the long-term benefits of investing in infrastructure, they might demand more from their elected officials and be willing to support higher taxes or other measures to fund these projects.”
Haas also suggested that cultural differences affect in how infrastructure is valued. In countries with older societies, there is a deeper understanding of the importance of good infrastructure for sustaining civilizations. In contrast, Canada's relatively young history and fluctuating population growth have led to inconsistent investment, resulting in the uneven state of its infrastructure today.
Canada’s infrastructure challenges require a multifaceted approach. By focusing on longer-term planning, leveraging new technologies, managing privatization carefully and enhancing public engagement, Canada can begin to address the weaknesses in its infrastructure and build a more resilient future. As Haas emphasized, good infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience — it is essential for public health, economic prosperity and social equity. Perhaps it's time for Canada to recognize this and invest accordingly.
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