Ontario and the federal government are investing over $88 million in 35 municipal and First Nation projects to build and repair critical infrastructure, help create jobs, and spur economic growth across the province through the Small Communities Fund.
Patricia A. Hadju, Federal Minister of Status of Women and Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines, were in Greenstone today to make the announcement. Greenstone will benefit from federal and provincial support for the second phase of the Geraldton water line rehabilitation. This project will improve the health and safety of area residents by providing clean drinking water.
Projects across Ontario include improving waste management and water treatment facilities, and repairing bridges and highways.
Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history – about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.
Investing in infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
- Quick Facts
Ontario and the federal government are each providing over $44 million for the 35 projects, which have a total cost of more than $141 million. Recipient communities will be responsible for the remaining project costs. - Through the Small Communities Fund, Ontario and the federal government are each providing $272 million over 10 years to support infrastructure projects in communities with populations under 100,000.
- In August 2015, the province launched its second SCF intake.
- Eligible applicants include municipalities, local services boards, public sector bodies, Indigenous band councils, private sector for-profit organizations, and non-profit organizations.
Quotes
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
“Today’s funding announcement shows Ontario’s clear commitment to building and maintaining local infrastructure in communities across the province. In partnership with the federal government, we are helping communities build the kind of modern, critical public infrastructure that attracts investment and creates good-paying jobs and economic growth.”
Patricia A. Hajdu, Federal Minister of Status of Women
“Today’s announcement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to working closely with Ontario to meet the unique needs of small communities across the province. By offering significant funding for a wide range of infrastructure projects, Canadian communities will benefit from investments that promote sustainable development while helping to grow the middle class. Municipalities know best what their communities need, and those insights are integral to building the Canada of the 21st century.”
Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
“These infrastructure investments help promote long-term, sustainable economic growth in Ontario’s northern communities. Thanks to joint funding from the governments of Canada and Ontario, these communities can improve local drinking water, waste management and other critical infrastructure.”
Media Contacts
Andreas Kyprianou
Communications Branch
416-325-2479
Katrina Kim
Minister’s Office
416-327-7227
