Author Description

This paper explores the potential for public-private partnerships to fund the provision, operation, and maintenance of municipal infrastructure. It begins with an introduction that sets out the concerns over such partnerships and an overview of privatization in the Canadian context. Chapter 3 reviews various models of partnerships that involve building, leasing, operation, purchase, or transfer, or some combination thereof, as well as the financial arrangements involved. Chapter 4 summarizes ways in which public-private partnership project parameters can be defined, government expectations clarified, and projects prioritized. Chapter 5 summarizes key findings from 11 case studies, including general observations, successes, failures, and lessons learned. The case studies involve examples of joint construction or use of facilities, examples reducing up-front infrastructure capital or operating costs, and examples where costs are transferred to the private sector. The concluding chapter makes final observations related to such issues as whether partnerships result in lower costs, facilitate development, and affect housing prices. Appendices contain details of the case studies.