Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, welcomed the latest release of data on the status of Canada's culture, recreation and sports facilities, and social and affordable housing through Canada's Core Public Infrastructure (CCPI) survey, for the reference year 2020. This most recent data release is a snapshot of the stock, condition and performance of culture, recreation and sports facilities as well as social and affordable housing in Canada.
"From hockey games to weddings and high school graduations, community buildings are where Canadians, especially in rural and remote communities, gather to celebrate some of life's biggest milestones. This survey provides valuable information that decision-makers can use to guide their approach to building and maintaining community infrastructure and affordable housing. We will continue to be guided by the latest and best data available in building strong communities for all Canadians," said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
This latest release highlights that the average annual construction rate of culture, recreation and sports facilities - including arenas, aquatic centres, arts and culture centres, and sports fields - increased in 2019 and 2020 by 65% compared to the average annual rate from 2016 to 2018.
In addition, one-fifth of publicly-owned culture, recreation and sports facilities were owned by rural municipalities with less than 5,000 residents, where 6% of the Canadian population lives. Almost one-third (32%) of these assets were installed since 2010. In fact, close to two-fifths of all facilities (37%) and more than two-thirds of arts and culture facilities (68%) built in 2019 and 2020 were reported by small rural municipalities.
The CCPI survey is supported by Infrastructure Canada, which provides funding for data and research initiatives to better inform how federal infrastructure funding programs are designed, implemented, tracked and reported. The survey aims to help all levels of government make informed decisions regarding public infrastructure to help develop healthier, safer and stronger communities.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
