The federal and provincial governments have announced more than $51 million in infrastructure funding for 129 municipalities across Ontario.

The money, which was announced on June 29, will support projects in communities across Southwestern, Midwestern and Central Ontario.

The funding will support the development of modern and accessible recreational spaces, and the replacement of equipment in health and emergency facilities. Other investments include increased options for active transportation, and the renovation of municipal infrastructure and community centres to provide safe and inclusive spaces for residents.

One of the projects funded sees improvements to the Sunnyside Long Term Care Home in the Region of Waterloo that will ensure residents have a safe and healthy living space. Funding for this project includes the purchase of two new generators, upgrades to the HVAC system and exhaust fans to improve the air quality throughout the facility.

In the City of Waterloo, upgrades to pathways, parks and woodlots will enhance active transportation infrastructure and improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. A wider asphalt multi-use-path along Laurelwood Drive, and the addition of 350 native trees across the city, is expected to encourage further active transportation.

“My thanks to the federal and provincial governments for supporting these projects, particularly because they directly enhance the quality of life in our great city,” said Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “The planting of 350 native trees across the city adds to the beautiful tree-canopy of the community, and a new multi use path in west Waterloo will complete a major link in the city's active transportation network, encouraging carbon-free transportation.”

A complete list of the supported communities, which also includes Windsor, Niagara Falls, London and Kitchener, appears on the federal government’s website.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $40.9 million in municipalities through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is contributing over $10.2 million.

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream allows the federal government to invest up to 80 percent of total eligible costs for projects in provinces, and up to 100 percent for projects in territories and Indigenous communities. The Ontario government will invest 20 percent of the eligible costs for projects across the province. 

The funding stream guarantees a minimum of $100,000 to each of Ontario’s 444 municipalities. Additional funding has been allocated to municipalities based on a variety of factors, including the value of infrastructure and median household income in each municipality.

Featured image: Sunnyside Long-term Care campus in Waterloo Region. (Region of Waterloo)