Alberta spends $1 billion on construction in 2020

CALGARY — The Province of Alberta released its 2020 construction season data, showing that during one of the most tumultuous years in its history, almost $1 billion was invested in more than 150 projects.

Officials noted the projects that were started will take years to build and support 9,200 jobs.

“Alberta’s government spent almost $1 billion to build roads and bridges and supported over 9,200 jobs,” said Riv McIver, minister of transportation, in a press release. “I am grateful for the hard work of Alberta’s construction workers who spent long summer days onsite to make sure families and job creators have quality roads and bridges to get to work and school. Alberta’s government is relentlessly focused on job creation and 2020’s construction season reflects that focus.”

Officials added the province’s 2020 budget has promised $5.7 billion over three years in the Provincial Construction Program for planning, design and construction of roads and bridges, Capital Maintenance and Renewal (CMR) funding for smaller construction and rehabilitation projects, water management and flood recovery projects, and capital grants.

In response to the pandemic and slumping oil prices, the province’s recovery efforts doubled CMR funding to expedite projects that address economic challenges. Officials stated this boosted funding will support 109 projects that will repair and improve highways.

“The ARHCA commends government for putting idle machinery and labour to work, protecting the public’s investment in roads and bridges,” said Ron Glen, CEO of the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. “Due to the economic downturn, our industry has a lot of capacity, and the public is getting good value for much-needed repairs to infrastructure. More importantly, when you take into account the materials, supplies and services our crews use, like hotels and restaurants, these projects create thousands of indirect jobs and economic spinoff benefits to communities all across Alberta.”