Ontario government funding over $2.7M to help Aurora, Newmarket infrastructure

Part of province's plan to support economic growth, job creations in small, rural northern communities

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 23, 2021
Aileen Zangouei

Premier Doug Ford said the Government of Ontario's plan to support economic growth and job creation will be focused on small, rural and northern communities.

This includes Aurora and Newmarket, which will receive over $2.7 million from the province to help build and repair local infrastructure -- part of the government's plan to get shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure projects that support economic recovery, growth and job creation.

"The government recognizes that northern communities require major infrastructure updates,” said MPP Michael Parsa from Aurora--Oak Ridges--Richmond Hill.

"The Town of Aurora will receive over $2.7 million to fund major infrastructure projects, which will help manage the expected population growth over the next 30 years," Parsa said.

Last week, the government pledged $1 billion toward building and repairing roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure in small, rural and northern communities.

The multi-year funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) -- which supports local infrastructure projects for communities with populations under 100,000, along with all rural and northern communities -- bringing the government's total investment to nearly $2 billion over the next five years, it said.

"With this investment, we are saying 'yes' to helping these communities build and repair the vital infrastructure they need to keep their communities working for decades to come," Ford said.

According to the province, funding allocations will be based on a formula that recognizes the different needs and economic conditions of communities across Ontario. The new formula will include an increased funding minimum of $100,000 for all communities per year, up from $50,000 over previous years.

"By building Ontario, we are creating jobs, attracting economic growth and investment, and ensuring our community continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family," said Christine Elliott, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora.