The ‘Quality of Life’ in Canada’s cities may rank “among the very best” today,
but the future is not as bright, according to a national study on
the sustainability of cities commissioned by Siemens Canada and
released last month. 

While 74 per cent of the experts participating in the survey
rate the quality of life in their cities as above average, only 44
per cent are optimistic about their cities’ future without
substantial investments in infrastructure to increase
competitiveness, protect the environment and ensure quality of
life.

The study - entitled The
Sustainable Cities Challenge in Canada – was
commissioned by Siemens Canada in conjunction with the David Suzuki
Foundation and was conducted by GlobeScan in 12 of Canada’s largest
cities.  It reflects the views of a sample of experts on
issues related to infrastructure for cities from government, the
private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

Focusing on key
infrastructure areas - transportation, energy, water and waste
water, healthcare, and safety and security - the study reveals that
experts are divided on how effectively their cities are adopting
sustainable infrastructure solutions. 

Less than a majority (41 per cent) think their cities’ leaders
recognize the vital role that infrastructure decisions can play in
protecting the environment and addressing climate change.  And
nine in ten experts see a high need for investment in
transportation infrastructure - far greater than other areas.

“At Siemens, we are very interested to know what Canadian city
leaders and key stakeholders are thinking, which is why we
undertook and invested in this study,” said Roland Aurich,
president and CEO of Siemens Canada.

Can transportation infrastructure survive a “perfect
storm”?

Results of the study add critical information to the ongoing
dialogue initiated by Siemens to address the key challenges facing
cities.  Building on the themes currently dominating that
discussion, experts who participated in the study say that
transportation infrastructure faces a “perfect storm” of problems
in the coming years. 

Six in ten experts, especially
those in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, say that old or obsolete
infrastructure is the biggest challenge facing their respective
cities. Lack of long-term strategic planning and inadequate
capacity are also considered to be factors contributing to the
problem.

Experts also cite transportation infrastructure as a key factor
affecting a city’s competitiveness.  When asked to name which
type of infrastructure is the most important in attracting
investment to their cities, 63 per cent of experts point to
transportation.  Yet only one-half believe that when
making

infrastructure investments, their cities place high importance
on making the city competitive to attract private investment.

“We want to engage Canadians in a dialogue
about sustainable cities, increase awareness of the subject and
encourage more people to think about the future today,” Roland
Aurich, president and CEO of Siemens Canada. 

Similarly, the study reveals that while the subject of
sustainable infrastructure is accepted, implementation is
lagging.  Only four in ten experts (mainly in government)
think that their cities recognize the vital role that
infrastructure decisions can play in protecting the environment and
addressing climate change.  Three in ten disagree, suggesting
a lack of awareness of the link between infrastructure and the
environment.

“Many say it is too late, however we don’t think so,” added Mr.
Aurich.  “At Siemens, we are committed to being responsible
and innovative when it comes to the environment and sustainable
cities.  We want to work with Canadians to make a sustainable
difference.”

“On the path towards sustainability, these cities will need to
invest in the protection of this natural capital to ensure we all
continue to benefit from the essential ecological services nature
provides, like cleaning our air and water and regulating the
climate.”

“This research also shows that our cities risk putting
significant tax dollars into transportation projects that may move
a lot of people but don’t deliver on environmental protection,
economic competitiveness and quality of life,” said Rob Kerr, vice
president, GlobeScan.

“This report
demonstrates the urgent need for Canadian cities to examine the
crucial role forests, wetlands and farmlands can play in providing
truly “green” infrastructure services,” Peter Robinson, CEO of the
David Suzuki Foundation.

“What we’ve learned from this study is invaluable:  using
infrastructure dollars more effectively will make our cities more
sustainable and competitive,” said Mr. Aurich. “At Siemens, we
believe that technology is critical to making cities fit for the
future,” he added.



Key Highlights

• Experts’ views on how quickly and efficiently their cities will
  adopt sustainable infrastructure solutions differ widely across the
  country.  In Vancouver, 71 per cent rate their city among the
  best at adopting green solutions.  Those in Quebec are at the
  other end of the spectrum, with almost no one rating their city
  above average.
  
  
  
  



• In terms of environmental challenges, the study shows that
  experts point first to transportation-related issues (20 per cent)
  and water/waste water (19 per cent).  These issues are
  followed by urban sprawl (14 per cent) and atmospheric issues such
  as air pollution and climate change (11 per cent). 
  
  
  
  



• Across regions there is differentiation:  experts in
  Quebec and British Columbia perceive transportation to be the most
  serious, while in Ontario and Prairie cities, water challenges hold
  the number one position.  Experts in Atlantic Canada consider
  both transportation and water to be equally serious, while urban
  sprawl is the most serious for experts in Alberta
  cities. 
  
  
  
  



• The study shows that aging water infrastructure and poor public
  awareness are other major challenges that cities must face in the
  near future.