About Learn Quiz FAQ Resources Bills
Get Started
Home › Learn › Infrastructure & Transportation
🛠
Who handles roads, transit & bridges?

Infrastructure & Transportation

Roads, bridges, transit, and water systems don't build themselves. In Canada, responsibility for infrastructure is split across three levels of government. Knowing who owns what is the first step to getting a problem fixed, supporting a project, or making your voice heard on the issues that affect your neighbourhood every day.

⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: Roads and transit often involve more than one level of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal

Parliament of Canada

  • ● National highway network and the Trans-Canada Highway
  • ● Transport Canada: aviation, rail, and marine transportation safety
  • ● Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) - crash investigation
  • ● Federal rail policy and interprovincial carriers
  • ● Federal infrastructure funding (Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada Infrastructure Bank)
  • ● Infrastructure on-reserve for First Nations and Inuit (roads, drinking water)
  • ● Major interprovincial projects such as pipelines and corridors
💡 Example: Contact your MP about federal infrastructure funding, Trans-Canada Highway improvements, or rail and aviation safety.
Provincial

Provincial Legislature

  • ● Provincial highways and roads - maintenance, expansion, and snow removal
  • ● Bridge inspection and maintenance
  • ● Public transit grants to cities (such as the TTC, TransLink, and RTM)
  • ● Driver licensing and vehicle safety (e.g. ICBC, SGI)
  • ● Water and wastewater treatment oversight
  • ● Electricity transmission and the power grid
  • ● Land-use planning and provincial parks
💡 Example: Contact your MPP about highway delays, provincial transit funding, or maintenance on provincial routes.
Municipal

City / Town Hall

  • ● Local roads, streets, and pothole repair
  • ● Stormwater and sewage systems
  • ● City transit and bus routes
  • ● Bike lanes, trails, and sidewalks
  • ● Street lighting and traffic signs
  • ● Parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities
  • ● Water and wastewater treatment plants
  • ● Building codes, zoning, and new development
💡 Example: Contact your city councillor about potholes, transit routes, bike lanes, or a dangerous intersection.

Quick Reference - Who to Contact

🏙 Federal

Your Member of Parliament (MP)

🏠 Provincial

Your MPP, MLA, or MNA

🏞 Municipal

Your City Councillor

Common infrastructure issues to report

Not sure who to ask? Use this quick guide to route your concern to the right office.

  • ● Potholes, cracked sidewalks, and streetlights: Your city or municipality
  • ● Highway delays, bridge closures, and provincial routes: Your provincial Ministry of Transportation
  • ● Aviation, rail, or marine safety: Transport Canada or the Transportation Safety Board
  • ● New transit, bike lanes, or a dangerous intersection: Your city councillor, plus your MPP and MP for funding

How to Get Involved on Infrastructure Issues

Infrastructure decisions shape how your community moves, works, and grows. You can influence them by taking these steps:

  • ● Contact your MP about federal infrastructure funding and national transportation policy
  • ● Contact your MPP about provincial highways, bridges, and transit funding
  • ● Contact your city councillor about potholes, transit routes, bike lanes, and local roads
  • ● Attend city council or committee meetings to weigh in on local projects and budgets

Questions people ask about infrastructure

Who do I contact about a pothole?

Potholes and local road repairs are handled by your city or municipality. Contact your city councillor or public works department. Roads on the provincial highway network are the responsibility of the provincial Ministry of Transportation.

Who handles a broken streetlight?

Streetlights are usually managed by your city, though in some provinces the utility or provincial government owns them. Start with your city councillor, who can point you to the right owner.

Who funds a new transit or subway line?

Transit projects usually involve all three levels of government. Cities propose and operate them, provinces co-fund, and federal grants may contribute - which is why advocacy at more than one level often matters.

How do I report a dangerous road condition?

Most cities run an online 311-style portal for reporting potholes, damaged sidewalks, and signage. Check your city website, or call your councillor's office for help routing your concern.

Ready to Take Action?

Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the infrastructure issues that matter to you.

Take Action →