Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Applications Now Open for Community Infrastructure Funding
Province Continues to Help Build and Repair Critical Infrastructure
Ontario is accepting applications under the Small Communities Fund to help build and repair critical infrastructure in communities across the province.
The Small Communities Fund is dedicated to projects of local significance in communities with a population of less than 100,000. Ontario and the federal government are each providing $272 million to the fund over 10 years.
Eligible communities are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for the next intake by September 30, 2015.
This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history -- more than $130 billion over 10 years, which will support more than 110,000 jobs per year on average. The government's plan is supported by a number of initiatives, including broadening the ownership of Hydro One -- an approach that raises billions for infrastructure.
Supporting local infrastructure is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Ontario is also providing small, rural and northern municipalities with funding to build and repair critical infrastructure under the permanent Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. Applications will be accepted until September 11, 2015.
- A Conference Board of Canada report estimated that Ontario’s public infrastructure investment would add more than $1,000 to the average annual income of Ontarians in 2014 and lower the unemployment rate by about one percentage point.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
“Strong infrastructure is vital to the economic and social health of communities. Ontario’s Small Communities Fund is creating lasting impacts across the province by repairing or building new critical infrastructure. I encourage all eligible communities to apply for the Small Communities Fund so we can work together to strengthen our economy. I am proud of our government’s commitment to building safe, smart, infrastructure that will help create jobs and ensure a bright future for all of Ontario.”
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
“By providing our small, rural and northern communities with the support they need to repair critical infrastructure, we are investing in the people of Ontario and ensuring our communities are strong. The Small Communities Fund is one of many valuable programs our government provides to help build up infrastructure and create jobs and opportunity in every part of the province.”
— Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Media Contacts:
Emily Feairs
Minister's Office
416-325-7569
Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch
416-326-8465
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