Ontario Supporting Pickering and Uxbridge with Critical Infrastructure Funding

Local infrastructure funding will help create jobs and support economic growth in both communities.

PICKERING — The Ontario government is investing $792,862 in Uxbridge and $2,573,240 in Pickering to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in each community. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and is part of the government’s plan to support economic growth and job creation.

“This funding is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth, supporting infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the province, ensuring that our local communities have the necessary resources to thrive,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “As we continue to build Ontario, this strategic investment underscores our dedication to laying the foundation for a resilient future for our Province, including Pickering and Uxbridge.”

In 2024, the government will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 425 small, rural and northern communities pay for critical infrastructure projects, including road, bridge, water, and wastewater projects. If necessary, a community may accumulate its funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.

“Small, rural and northern communities need stable funding for their unique infrastructure needs and to provide safe and reliable services,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why our government continues to provide funding, especially during these challenging economic times. Our investments in community infrastructure are helping to create jobs, build stronger local economies, and lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Ontario for generations to come.”

“Capital projects like improving our roads and maintaining our bridges and culverts represent about 40% of the Township’s annual budget”, said Dave Barton, Mayor of the Township of Uxbridge. “We are grateful to MPP Bethlenfalvy for the continued support from the Province for OCIF funding to help with our infrastructure costs.”

“Pickering has long been at the forefront of growth and development, and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund reinforces our dedication to creating a sustainable and thriving community. The Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents, ensuring our infrastructure remains at the highest standard, and bolstering the economic foundation of our City,” said Kevin Ashe, Mayor of the City of Pickering.

OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in communities with populations under 100,000, as well as all rural and northern communities. Funding allocations are based on a formula that takes into account the different needs and economic conditions of each community.

QUICK FACTS

  • In 2023, the Ontario government provided $400 million in funding through OCIF to 425 communities.
  • The government doubled its annual investment for OCIF to nearly $2 billion over five years in 2022 to support more local infrastructure projects in small, rural and northern communities.
  • As announced in Ontario’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the government is also protecting communities and unlocking new housing opportunities by investing $200 million over three years to help municipalities repair, rehabilitate and expand critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Eligible municipalities will be able to nominate housing-enabling water and wastewater projects in early 2024 through the new Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
  • The 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building a Strong Ontario Together continues the government’s responsible, targeted approach, providing the flexibility needed to help address ongoing economic uncertainty and build critical infrastructure in growing communities, while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.

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