More provincial funding aims to help Ontario municipalities invest in future growth and sustainability.
At this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association or ROMA conference, Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson announced $10 million in annual funding in a new Rural Ontario Development Program aimed at supporting economic growth, workforce capacity, and business development in rural communities.
“Our government believes in and is committed to enabling opportunity, which is the foundation from which we built Ontario’s rural economic development strategy,” said Minister Thompson. “Our plan to support rural Ontario reflects how our entire government is working together to ensure our programs and policies enable strong and dynamic rural communities.”
Meantime, the government is opening applications for the $175 million Health and Safety Water Stream through the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program starting February 12. Officials say the program aims to ensure Ontario communities have access to safe drinking water, reliable wastewater services, and are protected during extreme weather events.
“Our government is working with municipalities and First Nations to ensure they have the support they need to maintain crucial water infrastructure assets and promote housing growth in their communities,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Proper maintenance of our water and wastewater infrastructure is critical for protecting our homes and businesses and ensuring communities have access to clean drinking water.
Ministers, Associate Ministers, and Parliamentary Assistants held over 500 meetings with municipalities and municipal organizations from across Ontario at the 2025 ROMA conference. Discussions included priorities such as housing, infrastructure, and public health, including mental health and addictions and emergency health services.
