Ontario ministers announced a range of new measures aimed at supporting rural communities and fostering economic growth. The new initiatives include a dedicated Rural Economic Development Strategy with $10 million in annual funding, and expanded support for water infrastructure projects through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP). These initiatives are designed to enhance the quality of life in rural Ontario and create opportunities for long-term prosperity.
TORONTO — Several Ontario ministers outlined new measures for rural communities that are meant to bolster growth and development during the 2025 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. A new Rural Economic Development Strategy was introduced by Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, with $10 million in annual funding in a new Rural Ontario Development Program, explains a release.
Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma announced the government is opening applications for the $175 million Health and Safety Water Stream of the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) starting Feb. 12. This stream aims to ensure communities across the province have access to safe drinking water, reliable wastewater services and are protected during extreme weather events. Surma also announced the province has completed evaluating applications for funding from the $400 million Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream of the MHIP and has approved 58 projects across 60 municipalities, the release reads. These projects will help enable up to 160,000 new homes. Successful recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT ONTARIO GOVERNMENT ROMA CONFERENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Advocates Count 48 Femicides in Rural Ontario in Last 5 YearsAdvocates in rural Ontario are raising alarm about a surge in domestic violence and the lack of resources available to women in need. Limited transportation options and a severe housing crisis are compounding the dangers faced by women in these areas, making it difficult for them to escape abusive situations and access help.
Read more »
'Enormous disconnect': As rural women face more abuse, Ontario shelters fear cutbacksWhen Anna began planning to leave her husband, she never expected how complicated it would be. In her rural, eastern Ontario town, there weren't any resources available nearby for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Read more »
‘Enormous disconnect’: As rural women face more abuse, Ontario shelters fear cutbacksWhen Anna began planning to leave her husband, she never expected how complicated it would be.
Read more »
Ontario's REDI Pilot Program to Attract Skilled Workers to Rural and Northern RegionsOntario launches a pilot program to address labor shortages in rural and northern regions by attracting skilled immigrants.
Read more »
Notable Real Estate and Development Moves in Ontario and BeyondThis article highlights key appointments, acquisitions, and developments in the real estate and development sectors across Canada.
Read more »
Ontario Passes Sixth Working for Workers Act, Enhancing Worker Protections and Skills DevelopmentThe Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, received Royal Assent, introducing significant changes for Ontario workers. Key provisions include new parental leave for adoption and surrogacy, a 27-week job-protected leave for long-term illness, mandatory properly-fitting PPE for women in all sectors, and investments in skills training through the Skills Development Fund. The Act also provides financial relief to employers through WSIB surpluses and aims to recognize the contributions of skilled tradespeople.
Read more »