January 14, 2008
COMMUNITIES ASKED: WHAT WOULD YOU FIX FIRST?
GUELPH—Municipalities can now apply for a share of new provincial funding to fix roads, bridges, community centres and other public facilities.
“Local investments mean local benefits,” said Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan. “This new program supports a strong and resilient economy, continued growth and better quality of life in communities across Ontario.”
The McGuinty government’s $300-million Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative will help communities restore and revitalize public infrastructure. This could result in safer local roads and bridges, cleaner, safer water, better waste management systems, upgraded sports, recreation and community centres, and more, to provide both public facilities and services that make Ontario an attractive place to live, work, and invest.
“This investment shows our government’s commitment to strengthen Ontario communities and renew public infrastructure,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson. “We will continue to work in partnership with municipalities to support important local infrastructure priorities.”
“This additional funding recognizes the significant need for investment in municipal infrastructure," said Doug Reycraft, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario. "Investing in municipal infrastructure today will support an improved quality of life for all Ontarians and the future prosperity of our communities and our province."
The Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative builds on the success of ReNew Ontario – the most ambitious public infrastructure undertaking to take place in the province in a generation.
All applications will be evaluated to ensure projects meet provincial priorities and have a positive impact on the local community. The application deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008.
Application forms and program guidelines are available at www.infrastructureontario.ca.
Funding for the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative was first announced in the 2007 Fall Economic Statement.
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Contacts:
Anne Dunderdale
Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal
416 325-1810
Amy Tang
Minister’s Office Public Infrastructure Renewal
416 325-4048
Brian Lambie
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
416 729-5425
Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-6492
