Shifting priorities
Traditional infrastructure spending — roads and bridges — is giving way to energy grids, digital networks, and climate resilience. The Canada Infrastructure Bank projects $140 billion in green and digital infrastructure commitments through 2030.
| Sector | Planned Investment ($ bn, 2025–2030) | CAGR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green energy & grids | 52 | +7 % | CIB 2025 |
| Digital & broadband | 21 | +10 % | ISED |
| Climate adaptation & water | 15 | +8 % | Infrastructure Canada |
The strategic pivot
- Interprovincial transmission and battery storage dominate new project pipelines.
- Smart-city projects blend telecom, data, and mobility.
- Municipalities face financing constraints, requiring private capital entry.
What leaders can do
- Engage early with CIB and provincial funds. Private capital will fill fiscal gaps.
- Build data-driven asset monitoring. Predictive maintenance reduces cost 20 %.
- Develop energy-flexibility models. Firms investing in microgrids gain supply resilience.
- Invest in regional infrastructure bonds. ESG demand is surging.
Arcus Insight: Infrastructure is no longer physical — it’s informational. Data flow is the new public utility.
