Emerging trends in infrastructure: Canadian insights

The 12th edition of KPMG International’s top 10 Emerging Trends in Infrastructure report is a culmination of interviews with subject matter experts across the globe covering developed nations and emerging economies. Within it are key themes and headwinds shaping the future of infrastructure activity, including three trends that we are already seeing take shape in Canada – energy transitions, industry innovations, and a desire to build the country in collaboration with all of its people.

Canada is unwavering in its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions. During the COP28 meeting in Dubai, our government reaffirmed its intent to work with other countries in limiting global warming to 1.5ºC and its plans to invest in cleantech and clean energy infrastructure projects. At a glance, these projects include the Canada Net Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in Alberta, the Oneidar Energy Storage initiative in Ontario, and the Everwinds Fuels project in Nova Scotia, to name just a few. As KPMG’s global report suggests, we can expect that activity related to Canada’s energy transition will gain momentum as projects like these prove successful and as cleantech methods and technologies mature.

Indigenous leadership and participation are critical to achieving an effective and equitable energy transition. Indigenous leaders throughout the country are working with governments at all levels to develop new mechanisms for greater Indigenous involvement in regulatory decision-making on energy projects. Initiatives like the Barlow Solar Project in Alberta and the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in Ontario among many others—are demonstrating the economic, social, and environmental benefits of such collaborations.

Demand for new or renewed infrastructure will outpace our ability to build it, without increasingly innovating how we do things and turning to cutting-edge technologies to keep pace.

Tools like virtual and augmented reality and digital twins are proving to be key in helping owners and builders envision, track, and analyze their projects throughout development. The expectation is generative artificial intelligence will play an increasing role in all aspects of the asset lifecycle enabling better decision making and outcomes. Currently, censors and data gathering systems, digital dashboards, and AI-enabled cameras are driving operational improvements; while advances in modular construction, 3D printing, drones, and automated equipment are helping infrastructure stakeholders bring their visions to life faster.

Today’s infrastructure is increasingly being designed, built, monitored, and maintained with innovative processes and new and emerging technologies. As this continues, we can expect the industry to address Canada's infrastructure gaps with greater speed, efficiency, and cost-efficiencies.

KPMG in Canada’s multidisciplinary teams of infrastructure professionals are dedicated to helping public and private sector organizations deliver the outcomes they are seeking, as efficiently and effectively as possible. With more than 2,500 infrastructure professionals in 120 countries, we team global insights with local experience to help you realize opportunities and overcome challenges as each stage of the asset lifecycle.