Rural and northern communities to receive funding for infrastructure

PETERBOROUGH, ONT.—Small, rural and northern communities will be receiving $1 billion over the next five years to build and repair local roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure.

The multi-year funding from the Government of Ontario is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF). It will bring the government’s total investment to nearly $2 billion over the next five years. Funding allocations will be based on a formula that recognizes the different needs and economic conditions of communities across the province, states a release, adding starting in 2022, the formula will include an increased funding minimum of $100,000 for all communities per year, up from $50,000 over previous years.

“Communities are the heartbeat of this province and we know they are facing unique infrastructure needs and challenges, especially as we navigate through the pandemic,” said Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma in a statement. “When we were told more funding supports were needed, we listened and acted in a meaningful way by providing the largest OCIF increase since the start of the program. By doing so, we’re providing stability and predictability to small, rural and northern communities as they repair, upgrade, and modernize their critical infrastructure so that they are safer, healthier and more reliable for all.”