The Ontario government is investing $400 million to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in small, rural and Northern communities. The funding is being 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 investing in key public infrastructure that will keep workers on the job and strengthen the economy in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.
In 2026, 423 small, rural and Northern communities will receive funding for critical infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. The minimum grant for municipalities has been raised to $125,000, an increase of $25,000 over last year. Funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for the different needs and economic conditions of each community.
"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."
The OCIF supports the renewal and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. Eligible communities include municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, and Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, the government has provided $2.8 billion through OCIF to support small, rural and northern municipalities.
- 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.
Quotes
"Critical infrastructure is essential for safe and strong rural communities across Ontario. With this investment, our government is ensuring hundreds of small, rural and northern communities have the funds to build and maintain the local infrastructure they rely on to protect and support vibrant rural communities and well-paying jobs."
- Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs
"This critical provincial investment will help strengthen local municipalities in my riding of Niagara West. Through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, our government is delivering on its promise to protect small towns and rural Ontario by accelerating infrastructure renewal, driving local economic growth and creating good-paying jobs where they are needed most. With these investments, Ontario is doubling down on its support for local communities - this includes a record $20 million through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and $94 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program for Niagara."
- Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West
"These 423 small, rural and northern communities count on OCIF as a predictable and reliable source of funding for their critical infrastructure. We welcome the province's announcement to flow the 2026 funding, as prosperity across Ontario relies on a thriving rural Ontario."
- Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), Mayor, Mississippi Mills
Additional Resources
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