Deferred maintenance refers to necessary repairs, replacements, and upkeep that have been postponed due to budget constraints, creating a backlog of work that will eventually require attention. Municipalities often defer maintenance on roads, buildings, water systems, and other infrastructure when facing tight budgets, prioritizing immediate needs over longer-term preservation. While deferral provides short-term budget relief, it typically increases total costs over time—small problems become major failures, asset lifespans shorten, and emergency repairs cost more than planned maintenance. The accumulated deferred maintenance across Canadian municipalities represents a significant component of the infrastructure deficit. Asset management planning helps identify deferred maintenance, prioritize catch-up investments, and prevent further accumulation through adequate ongoing maintenance funding.