Investments in priority projects will mean safer, faster, more convenient commutes for drivers, new jobs
The Voice of Canada News:
Ontario’s Government is investing in what matters through new infrastructure projects, which will make the province’s roads safer and commutes easier for drivers while creating jobs and growing the economy.
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Infrastructure, announced the province will fund 49 roads and bridge projects across Ontario. Those projects are now awaiting approval by the federal government.
“Announcement will make people happy in communities across Ontario,” said McNaughton. “This is more proof that our government is protecting what matters most. Good roads and bridges get people to work and home safely, so they can spend more time with the people they love.”
The 49 projects, worth about $78 million in federal, provincial and local investments, are the first nominated under the Rural and Northern funding stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a 10-year, $30-billion fund that is supporting public transit, roads and bridges and other crucial infrastructure like culture and recreation projects.
The federal government will review the projects for eligibility under the program and make final funding decisions. Construction could begin as soon as fall 2019.
“These are important projects and we’re excited to get them built,” said McNaughton. “Now it’s up to the federal government to approve them.”
“The projects are vital to ensuring rural communities are open for business and open for jobs,” said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman.
“They’re much more than concrete and steel. They connect rural businesses to the provincial economy,” said Hardeman.
“Our economy, communities, and families all depend on infrastructure,” said McNaughton. “It is essential to local quality of life and prosperity. Our investments in smart infrastructure create jobs and grow the economy, shaping the future for hard-working families in Ontario.”
QUICK FACTS
Communities can apply for the Rural and Northern stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program by accessing a “one-window” source that will handle application intake, review, nomination, reporting and transfer payment management processes. The deadline to apply is May 14, 2019.
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program unlocks up to $30 billion in combined federal, provincial, and local investments in communities across the province over the next 10 years.
Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33 per cent, or about $10.2 billion spread across four streams: 1. Rural and Northern, 2. Public Transit, 3. Green, 4. Community, Culture and Recreation.
The first intake for the Rural and Northern stream is focused on road, bridge, air and marine infrastructure in rural and northern communities with populations under 100,000 people.
