After hosting a roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders, the Ottawa Construction Association has issued a statement regarding supply chain issues and price escalations.

Supported by a $167-million federal investment, the FCM-run program supports municipalities in lowering the carbon emissions from community buildings such as arenas, pools, libraries and recreation and cultural centres.

Both groups pointed to positive elements of the budget, but indicated more could have been done to deploy already-allocated money, and create predictable funding flows.

The budget forecasts a deficit of $354 billion, with significant spending allocated to infrastructure projects—including transit, rail and housing—and for apprenticeship training.

Electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham areas is expected to quadruple by 2035, and additional capacity is needed to supply the region’s rapidly expanding agricultural sector.