Ontario Supporting Small, Rural and Northern Communities

Local infrastructure funding will help create jobs and support economic growth in Newmarket—Aurora

NEWS                                                                                                                 December 19th, 2023

NEWMARKET—AURORA — The Ontario government is investing $5,747,958 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Newmarket—Aurora. The Town of Newmarket is receiving $3,762,624 and The Town of Aurora is receiving $1,985,334. This 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.

“Through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, we are proudly investing over $5.7 million in Newmarket—Aurora, demonstrating our government’s commitment to strengthening the economic vitality and quality of life in our community,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “This significant funding will enhance critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems, paving the way for robust economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. These investments are more than just numbers – they represent a tangible step towards building a resilient and thriving Newmarket—Aurora for all residents, now and in the future.”

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.”

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.

QUOTES

“I am pleased to see the continued support from the Provincial Government through the Community Infrastructure Fund,” said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “The $3,762,624 investment in Newmarket announced today will help us to maintain and renew the critical infrastructure residents and businesses rely on every day – infrastructure like roads, water mains, stormwater sewers and ponds in our parks. Support from other levels of government is vital to many infrastructure projects and integral to Newmarket continuing to provide safe and reliable services to our growing community.”

“I am very pleased that Aurora is receiving funding through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) again this year. Annual OCIF funding from the province is an important source of revenue for the Town and allows us to confidently plan to manage infrastructure renewal work like roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects that serve our residents, while reducing cost pressures on municipal taxpayers,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas. “I would like to thank the Ontario government as these projects wouldn’t have been possible without support from other levels of government. Together, we are paving the way for a resilient and thriving Aurora that will benefit all residents both now and in the future.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MEDIA CONTACTS

Joanne Beatty
Offices of Dawn Gallagher Murphy
MPP, Newmarket- Aurora
dawn.gallaghermurphy@pc.ola.org
905.853.9889