Local infrastructure funding will help support economic growth Peterborough-Kawartha
On Thursday, December 21, 2023, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha announced over $10 million to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Peterborough. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and is part of the government’s plan to support economic growth and job creation.
“This investment of over $10 million will improve infrastructure throughout the municipalities in the region,” MPP Dave Smith said, “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count onto plan for critical infrastructure projects.”
In 2024, the government will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 425 small, rural and northern communities pay for critical infrastructure projects, including road, bridge, water, and wastewater projects. If necessary, a community may accumulate its funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.
“Small, rural and northern communities need stable funding for their unique infrastructure needs and to provide safe and reliable services,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why our government continues to provide funding, especially during these challenging economic times. Our investments in community infrastructure are helping to create jobs, build stronger local economies, and lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Ontario for generations to come.”
Municipality Funding Total
Douro-Dummer $161,441
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen $180,124
North Kawartha $100,000
Peterborough $8,293,028
Peterborough County $996,071
Selwyn $304,404
Trent Lakes $119,868
OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in communities with populations under 100,000, as well as all rural and northern communities. Funding allocations are based on a formula that takes into account the different needs and economic conditions of each community.
QUOTES
“This funding will be used to support key road infrastructure upgrades in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I want to thank MPP Smith, Minister Surma, and the Government of Ontario for investing in critical infrastructure for our community and being a strategic partner with our city.”
-Jeff Leal
Mayor, City of Peterborough
“The Municipality of Trent Lakes is fortunate to have received funding from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund for 2024. These funds will further ensure the roads in our municipality will be maintained and safe for all who live here or visit. I have immense gratitude for the Ministry of Infrastructure in rural municipalities across
Ontario.”
-Terry Lambshead
Mayor, Trent Lakes
“The funding of infrastructure renewal projects is difficult for municipalities, especially given the effects of COVID- 19 and inflationary pressures. The Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) is invaluable as a stable source of capital funding that supports the asset management of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.”
-Jim Martin
Mayor, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Ontario Community Infrastructure funding is vital for small rural communities like Selwyn Township to be able to address infrastructure needs as we face growth challenges. In 2024, this funding will help support the Townships asset management efforts ensuring we continue to maintain our infrastructure for the future.”
-Sherry Senis
Mayor, Selwyn Township
“I would like to that MPP Smith and the Ministry of Infrastructure for this yearly funding. This funding will allow our municipality to fund critical projects for Douro-Dummer.”
-Heather Watson
Mayor, Douro-Dummer
‘On behalf of North Kawartha Township, I want to express our deepest thanks to MPP Smith and the Province for our recent OCIF funding. This annual financial support is so helpful for small rural municipalities like ours with a limited tax base and large land base. This year’s funding will be put towards our road construction budget as we implement a 5 year plan to surface treat our many gravel roads. ‘
-Carolyn Amyotte
Mayor, North Kawartha
QUICK FACTS
In 2023, the Ontario government provided $400 million in funding through OCIF to 425 communities.
The government doubled its annual investment for OCIF to nearly $2 billion over five years in 2022 to support more local infrastructure projects in small, rural and northern communities.
As announced in Ontario’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the government is also protecting communities and unlocking new housing opportunities by investing $200 million over three years to help municipalities repair, rehabilitate and expand critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
Eligible municipalities will be able to nominate housing-enabling water and wastewater projects in early 2024 through the new Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
The 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building a Strong Ontario Together continues the government’s responsible, targeted approach, providing the flexibility needed to help address ongoing economic uncertainty and build critical infrastructure in growing communities, while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
