Northern Ontario municipalities share in $15M in federal, provincial funding
Several Northern Ontario communities will share in $15 million in infrastructure funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The majority of funding will support the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure, repairs to municipal public works buildings and fire halls. Additional investments will support upgrades to parks, recreational facilities and active transportation networks of multi-use paths and trails for residents across Northern Ontario.
The City of Thunder Bay, for example, will use its share of the funding—nearly $1.6 million—to widen and rehabilitate its network of multi-use trails with new gravel, better drainage, and wayfinding signage, making it safer and more enjoyable for residents.
"Thanks to this funding, we will be able to advance construction of our Waterfront Trail, and renew four other multiuse trails,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “These upgrades will be a welcome investment, facilitating active lifestyles, increased connectivity, and expanded active transportation in our community."
The federal government is investing over $12 million in the municipalities, while the province is contributing more than $3 million.
The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada 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 Province of Ontario 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 the province’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.