Ontario Building Critical Infrastructure in Central Elgin
Funding will help create jobs and support economic growth
NEWS October 18, 2024
CENTRAL ELGIN — The Ontario government is investing $1,144,546 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Central Elgin. 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 build and expand more homes, highways, hospitals, transit and high-speed internet across the province.
“This investment continues to build on our government’s commitment to enhance the infrastructure that supports our small and rural communities,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “These funds will improve essential services and unlock new economic growth within our region.”
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.”
“These funds will help our community prepare for future growth”, said Andrew Sloan, Mayor of Central Elgin. “I want to thank MPP Flack, Minister Surma and the Ontario government for investing in our community’s critical infrastructure and supporting rural municipalities.”
“Ontario’s continued investment through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) is critical to the long-term sustainability and growth of rural communities like Elgin County,” stated Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw. “This $3 million in funding will allow us to address vital infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water systems, all of which directly impact the daily lives of our residents. As we navigate inflation and supply chain challenges, this support from the province will help us maintain the infrastructure our community relies on.”
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.
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Rob Flack, MPP
Elgin-Middlesex-London
Rob.flack@pc.ola.org