Province, feds launch infrastructure program

The federal government and the Ontario government have launched a $900 million fund to help smaller and rural municipalities with their infrastructure construction.

Further information is included in the following news release from Nipissing MPP Monique Smith and Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota:

(North Bay)
The Governments of Canada and Ontario today signed an agreement to each provide up to $298 million over the next five years to improve public infrastructure in small urban centres and rural municipalities throughout the province. Participating communities will be expected to contribute one third of the cost of any project, bringing the total investment in sustainable infrastructure to close to $900 million.

“By working with our provincial partners, we are more effective in providing Ontarians with the support they need to build strong and sustainable communities,” said Nipissing MP, Anthony Rota, “the investments the federal and provincial governments are making today show a real commitment to help the communities of Nipissing to build and repair their local infrastructure.”

“This program is good news for Nipissing, and a valuable tool to improve its water and sewage treatment and waste management, fix its local roads and repair its bridges, as well as help address other health and safety priorities,” said Monique Smith MPP, Nipissing, “modern and efficient infrastructure is the key to a prosperous economy and vital for strong, safe and liveable communities.”

The agreement provides that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) will work with the Governments of Canada and Ontario to ensure the program offers maximum benefits to Ontario communities and will continue to promote increased awareness of the program.

“AMO is working with the Federal and Provincial governments to ensure all Ontario residents benefit from a new deal for Ontario municipalities,” said Roger Anderson, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario. “The COMRIF infrastructure program recognizes that all Ontarians need and deserve increased investment in the success of their communities.”

Small urban and rural Ontario municipalities of less than 250,000 are all eligible to apply. Program information and online applications are available on COMRIF’s newly launched website, www.comrif.ca.

Communities will also be able to apply with a CD ROM-based application or a paper application. Applications will be processed through a Canada-Ontario Joint Secretariat, which has been established to streamline program delivery.

COMRIF is the first agreement signed under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), through which the Government of Canada will invest $1 billion in priority infrastructure projects across Canada.

COMRIF will advance Ontario’s commitment to building strong communities and a safe, healthy and prosperous province.

For more information on the Government of Canada and Ontario’s infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. or www.pir.gov.on.ca.