Ontario Investing in Local Infrastructure to Support Small, Rural and Northern Communities
Province’s $400 million investment will keep workers on the job and promote economic growth
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.
