A variety of projects in Ontario’s northern, eastern and central regions will share in $28 million in funding from federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations sources.

The respective governments made a joint announcement about the funding on July 14.  The money will be used to fund eight road and bridge projects in the communities of Markstay-Warren, Wasauksing First Nation - Parry Island, Georgian Bay Township, Carling Township, Chamberlain Township, the City of Pembroke, Bonnechere Valley Township, and Larder Lake Township.

Markstay-Warren, for example, will receive $4.4 million in federal and provincial funding to resurface, improve shoulders and drainage, and replacement of driveway culverts on approximately 5.5 kilometers of streets.

"This infrastructure upgrade of the village of Markstay comes at a critical stage in the development of Markstay-Warren and could not have been implemented without this very generous infrastructure funding,” said Mayor Stephen Salonin.

Wasauksing First Nation - Parry Island will receive $4.6 million for the reconstruction of about 16 kilometres of Wawbawzee Road will improve access to the First Nation territory for residents, visitors and emergency vehicles, year-round.

The Township of Chamberlain will receive $4.2 million for the reconstruction of the Krugerdorf Bridge. The project scope includes removal of the existing three-span, 60-metre bridge, road grade adjustments, enhancements to the abutments, and installation of a 40m single-span modular bridge with steel beam guiderail.

The Township of Carling will receive $3.3 million to rebuild approximately 9.5 kilometres of Dillon Road. The work includes re-aligning certain sections, tree clearing, and widening rock cuts to improve sight lines, and asphalt resurfacing.

The City of Pembroke will receive nearly $3.3 million for work on approximately 3 kilometres of Pembroke Street West. The work includes the removal and replacement of asphalt and gutters; installation, widening and reconstruction of paved shoulders and boulevards; repair of concrete sidewalks; upgrading of traffic signals; and relocation of utility poles.

Finally, the townships of Bonnechere Valley and Larder Lake will receive $1.6 million and $2.9 million respectively for various roadwork projects.

"Rural and Northern communities like Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury depend on reliable infrastructure to ensure their communities are well positioned for economic and social vitality. It’s important to continue collaborating and engaging directly with municipalities like Markstay-Warren in order to keep advocating for their infrastructure priorities,” said Nickel Belt MP Marc G. Serré. “During these unprecedented times, this $2.8-million investment will go directly to Markstay-Warren, and will help create well-paying jobs during the construction phase of the projects, and will have an enduring positive effect on this community for many years to come."

The Government of Canada is investing over $16.7 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $8.3 million for these important infrastructure projects in these communities, while municipalities are contributing over $2.7 million towards the projects. The Wasauksing First Nation is contributing $330,215 towards its project.