Ontario Building Critical Infrastructure in Uxbridge and Facilitating Revitalization of Downtown Area
Total of $940,229 in funding will help create jobs and support economic growth
UXBRIDGE — The Ontario government is investing $911,791 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the Township of Uxbridge. The funding will be delivered in 2025 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and is part of the government’s $190 billion capital plan to expand and build more homes, highways, hospitals, transit and high-speed internet across the province.
In 2025, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities build roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.
“Small, rural and northern communities are essential to the growth and prosperity of Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “By providing direct and stable funding to these communities, our government is helping create local jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems. Funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for the different needs and economic conditions of each community.
“Our government is committed to Rebuilding Ontario’s Economy by investing in projects that build strong and resilient communities. Today, I’m proud to announce $911,791 for critical infrastructure upgrades in Uxbridge, alongside up to $28,437 through the Rural Economic Development program,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “These investments will enhance local infrastructure, support economic growth, and position Uxbridge for future prosperity.”
The Ontario government is also investing in Uxbridge through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to continue the revitalization of the Downtown area. Uxbridge will receive up to $28,438 which will allow the Township to engage in marketing activities to promote Lower Brock as part of Downtown Uxbridge. This will include developing a community profile for prospective investors and refreshing the Brock Street Heritage Guidelines for the area.
“Thank you to MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy and the province for its continued investment in Uxbridge” said Dave Barton, Mayor of the Township of Uxbridge. “From critical infrastructure projects to downtown revitalization initiatives, the multitude of funding received from this government is what helps advance rural communities like ours. The province’s support through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Rural Economic Development Program, play crucial roles in helping us meet our development goals.”
Ontario’s RED program provides cost-share funding which supports activities that create strong rural communities and opens doors to rural economic development. This funding addresses barriers to economic development and better positions rural communities to attract and retain talent, enhancing economic growth.
Recently, Minister Lisa Thompson announced that the Ontario government is investing over $5.7 million in up to 85 projects across the province through the latest intake of the RED Program. The
program is a demonstration of the government’s dedication to rural Ontario, as well as an example of how we are ensuring that the right tools and programming are in place to support continued growth and prosperity in small rural towns and Indigenous communities.
“Through the province’s RED cost-share funding, Uxbridge can revitalize their picturesque downtown core, attract new investments, and stimulate further economic and regional development,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. She added, “I am proud our government is committed to supporting small towns and rural communities, because their success is essential to Ontario’s overall all economic growth.”
QUICK FACTS
• In 2024, the government provided $400 million in funding through the OCIF to 425 communities.
• Starting in 2022, the government increased its investment for the OCIF by $1 billion over five years.
• The latest intake of the RED program closed on February 21, 2024.
• Since 2019, the RED program has committed more than $27.4 million to fund 473 projects that are helping to attract investment, create jobs, and boost economic development in rural communities across the province.