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Ontario Launches $30 Billion Infrastructure Program

NORTH BAY — Ontario’s Government is working for the people to make the province’s roads safer, commutes easier and communities healthier. Today, MPP Vic Fedeli announced new infrastructure funding that will help create and protect good jobs across the province, including in Nipissing.

“When it comes to delivering core services that matter to people, our government is putting people first,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Infrastructure. “Today’s historic infrastructure investment marks the start of billions of dollars in funding that will improve the wellbeing of the people of Ontario. And it is part of our plan to balance the budget in a responsible, sustainable way while creating and protecting good jobs.”

The first stream of the funding, the Rural and Northern stream, is open to cities and Indigenous communities with populations under 100,000. Those communities, about 500 of them, will have eight weeks beginning March 18 to nominate road and bridge projects.

“This is great news for communities in our riding,” said Fedeli. “Our government is listening and has heard the infrastructure needs of our municipalities. Today we’re telling communities to get started on the crucial process of project nomination.”

The funding falls under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which will unlock up to $30 billion in combined federal, provincial, and local investments in communities across the province over the next 10 years.

“The launch of today’s programs marks an important milestone for investing in the critical projects that will create jobs for our riding,” said Fedeli. “This program will help families and businesses by making our roads safer, commutes easier and communities healthier.”

QUICK FACTS

• The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is a $30 billion, 10-year infrastructure program cost-shared between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33 per cent, or $10.2 billion spread across four streams:

1. Rural and Northern
2. Public Transit
3. Green
4. Community, Culture and Recreation

• The first intake for the Rural and Northern stream will be open for eight weeks, and will focus on road, bridge, air or marine infrastructure in rural and northern communities with populations under 100,000 people.
• The Grants Ontario website (click on Grant Opportunities) will be a “one-window” source for applicants, handling application intake, review, nomination, reporting and transfer payment management processes – all in one place.

QUOTES

“The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) welcomes this federal and provincial commitment to infrastructure funding across our province. Rural and northern communities depend on safe and reliable roads and bridges. They are essential to local quality of life and prosperity. Importantly, the ‘one-window’ approach that Ontario and the federal government have put in place will offer Ontario’s municipal governments an efficient means to access infrastructure funding.”

– Jamie McGarvey, AMO President and Mayor of Parry Sound