Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Ministry of Transportation
Applications Open for Ontario's New Connecting Links Program on November 19
New $15 Million Program Part of Largest Infrastructure Investment in Province’s History
The province is opening applications for Connecting Links, a new $15 million annual local infrastructure program, on November 19.
The new program will help municipalities pay the construction and repair costs for connecting links - municipal roads that connect communities to provincial highways and border crossings. There are 352 kilometres of connecting links, including 70 bridges, in 77 Ontario municipalities.
The program will help to cover the costs of bridge replacements, pavement rehabilitation, storm sewer construction and intersection improvements. Projects will be funded up to 90 per cent, to a maximum of $3 million.
This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history -- more than $130 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year across Ontario, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals.
Ontario is building safe, reliable infrastructure to help create jobs and ensure a bright future for the province. Between April and September, the province announced support for more than 200 projects that will keep people and goods moving, strengthen the economy, connect communities and improve quality of life. Connecting Links projects will build on that progress.
Investing in roads and bridges 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:
- Applications for Connecting Links will be available on November 19 on the Ministry of Transportation webpage.
- Funding for the new Connecting Links program is expected to begin in the spring of 2016.
- Ontario’s population is expected to grow by approximately 40 per cent by 2041, placing additional importance on having modern infrastructure to support a growing population.
- Research shows that every $100 million of public infrastructure investment in Ontario boosts GDP by $114 million, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.
Background Information:
Quotes:
"We know that these highways serve as essential links in many communities; they carry our loved ones, our goods, and they keep our economy growing. By supporting communities with Connecting Links funding, we’re helping to reduce a financial burden on municipalities, while making the travel and quality of life better for Ontario families."
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"We consulted municipalities across Ontario and heard the need to introduce a new Connecting Links program, and we listened. Our government is committed to working closely with our municipal partners to ensure this program is stronger than ever, so we can improve infrastructure across the province and sharpen Ontario’s competitive edge. "
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"This is great news for Guelph. We worked with municipalities and regions that asked for assistance in maintaining these important connecting highways. People and businesses across the area will benefit from these improvements, and it will help boost local economies. "
— Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph
Media Contacts:
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
patrick.searle@ontario.ca
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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