Ontario Investing to Protect Rural Communities

As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is launching the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 million investment to strengthen the economies of rural communities, build infrastructure and keep workers on the job.​ The announcement was made at the 2026 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference, with applications opening immediately for rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations.

“In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our government is doubling down on our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re making record investments in rural services and infrastructure, and we’re cutting red tape and keeping costs down to help attract investments and create jobs in rural communities. I appreciate the support and collaboration from ROMA and all our rural communities as we work together to protect workers and their families from tariffs, economic uncertainty and anything else that comes our way.”

Last week, the government also announced an additional $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure across the province. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which was increased to a total of $4 billion last year to support the province’s goal of getting more shovels in the ground and homes built across Ontario. The funding will flow to recipients through MHIP’s Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS), which now totals $875 million of the total $4 billion MHIP. Funding will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The conference is an opportunity for municipal leaders and the province to collaborate on rural priorities, such as housing, infrastructure, transportation, health care and international trade. This year, the Ontario government is holding over 650 meetings with municipalities and municipal organizations from across the province.

“Our government is working to protect the people and families who call rural Ontario home,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “From making investments in infrastructure, to supporting Ontario farmers, to creating the conditions to get more homes built, we are doing what is needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the bright future that is in store for our rural communities. Our appreciation goes out to the many municipal partners and ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, who are working tirelessly to advance these goals alongside us.”

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