Ontario Building Critical Infrastructure in Elgin-Middlesex-London

October 3, 2025

Province’s nearly $14 million investment will help keep workers on the job and promote economic growth

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON — The Ontario government is investing nearly $14 million in Elgin-Middlesex-London to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Aylmer, Bayham, Central Elgin, Malahide, Southwold, Dutton Dunwich, St. Thomas, Thames Centre, West Elgin and Elgin County. The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.

“Investing in our local infrastructure keeps our communities strong and makes life better for families right here at home,” said MPP of Elgin-Middlesex-London Rob Flack. “This funding gives our small towns and rural areas the resources they need to maintain and improve essential services, attract new investment, and create good jobs for local workers, keeping our region growing and moving forward.”

In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. The minimum grant amount for municipalities will increase to $125,000 from $100,000. Funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for the different needs and economic conditions of each community. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.

In Elgin-Middlesex-London, the 2026 OCIF funding will support vital infrastructure projects across the region. Allocations include $830,430 for Aylmer, $469,523 for Bayham, $1,160,885 for Central Elgin, $322,061 for Dutton-Dunwich, $3,353,396 for Elgin County, $496,976 for Malahide, $264,971 for Southwold, $6,001,096 for St. Thomas, $859,110 for Thames Centre, and $238,015 for West Elgin. This funding will help maintain and improve roads, bridges, and water and wastewater systems, ensuring communities remain strong and ready for growth.

“Small, rural and northern communities are essential to the growth and prosperity of Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That is why we’re increasing the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund’s minimum grant amount to provide predictability and stability for these communities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. With our record investments across all infrastructure programs, we’re driving an unprecedented wave of construction—highways, transit, hospitals, schools, and more—to make communities stronger, keep workers on the job, and drive economic growth for generations to come.”

Elgin County Warden, Grant Jones said, “[t]his investment is vital to maintaining and improving the critical infrastructure our residents depend on each day to travel safely to work, school, and essential services. Continued support like this ensures our communities remain strong, connected, and resilient.”

“This year’s $830,430 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) is an essential investment in Aylmer’s long-term growth”, said Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt. “This funding strengthens our ability to maintain and improve core public infrastructure without overburdening local taxpayers.” He added, “[r]esidents of Aylmer can already see the impact of the province’s generous contributions with the newly reconstructed Elk Street and in 2026 they can look forward to a South Street reconstruction. These investments help keep critical infrastructure improvements affordable and lay the groundwork for building Aylmer’s bright future.”

“This investment from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will help Central Elgin maintain safe, reliable infrastructure that serves our residents, businesses, and visitors, while strengthening our community now and for the future”, said Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan.

Bayham Township Mayor, Ed Ketchabaw said “Bayham thanks the province for their ongoing support for important core infrastructure projects. We look forward to continuing discussions on ensuring financial sustainability for municipalities.”

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.

Since 2018, the government provided $2.8 billion through OCIF to support small, rural and northern municipalities.

QUICK FACTS

Additionally, the province is investing $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) for core infrastructure projects in growing and developing communities. This investment will help unlock even more homes in addition to the approximately 800,000 that have been unlocked with the previously announced pipeline of projects.
Most recently, the government announced $2,898,964.00 to help the Municipality of West Elgin build water systems that make new housing possible, enabling up to 287 new homes in West Lorne.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MEDIA CONTACT

Emily Bradshaw
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org