Quebec faces an urgent crisis in ageing infrastructure
Quebec is confronting a deepening infrastructure crisis, as the province’s maintenance deficit has more than doubled since 2018, according to the Quebec Treasury Board.
Alarmed by the growing risks to public safety, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec has launched a province-wide consultation to recommend corrective measures. The deteriorating condition of public assets has triggered concerns across civil and energy sectors, with experts urging immediate and sustainable intervention. With ageing structures becoming increasingly vulnerable, the crisis threatens not only transport and utilities but also the daily safety of citizens. Two McGill University experts have stepped forward to offer critical insights into the risks and potential solutions.
François Bouffard, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, researches the resilience and reliability of energy infrastructure. He warns that neglecting maintenance can severely disrupt energy systems and compromise Quebec’s capacity to respond to climate shocks. “Preventive and proactive maintenance strategies are essential to avoid cascading failures across our energy grid,” he said. Bouffard is available for comment in both English and French. In the civil engineering space, Daniele Malomo, Assistant Professor and director of struct-lab at McGill, has studied structural degradation and retrofitting extensively. He highlights the structural risks posed by older bridges, buildings, and public utilities. “We must rethink how we design and upgrade our infrastructure, especially in light of climate adaptation,” he noted. His research focuses on sustainable retrofitting and earthquake resilience, which could guide long-term strategies for infrastructure renewal.
As Quebec moves toward consultation and eventual reform, voices from academia are playing a pivotal role in shaping the conversation. With public safety at stake, experts stress that timely action is not optional but essential.
