The Ontario government announced on May 11 that it has distributed $30 million in funding for road and bridge repairs to 24 municipalities.

The funding comes through the Connecting Links program, which helps municipalities repair roadways and bridges that connect two ends of provincial highways through a community or border crossing. Across Ontario, there are 352 kilometres of such roads and 70 bridges. Seventy-seven municipalities were eligible for Connecting Links funding in 2020–21.

This year’s funding envelope will support three bridge repairs, 10 resurfacing projects, seven reconstruction projects, and four detailed design projects across 24 municipalities.

"We understand that the maintenance and repair costs of roads and bridges places a heavy burden on our municipal partners," said Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney. "That is why we continue to support our local communities with investments that will keep families safe, goods moving, and drive economic growth and job creation."

Connecting Link provides up to 90 percent of design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement costs to a maximum of $3 million per project. The program considers projects based on technical need and safety considerations such as the condition of the connecting link bridge and road, need for repair in the near term and cost effectiveness.

Those municipalities that received full funding under the program include Renfrew, Stratford and Sault Ste. Marie. A complete list of the 2020–21 funding allocations is available on the province’s website.