WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local municipalities will receive almost $5.9 million from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) in 2021.
Details of the $200-million fund to help 424 small, rural and northern communities build and repair roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure were announced Jan. 26 by Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott.
“COVID-19 has created challenges for everyone, including our municipal partners,” said Scott.
“By making this stable, predictable investment, our government is not only improving critical infrastructure, we are strengthening local economies, creating jobs and laying the foundation for our long-term recovery.”
OCIF helps eligible communities invest in local infrastructure and asset management planning to address their priority needs, states a Jan. 25 press release.
The province uses a formula to distribute funding, recognizing that municipalities have different infrastructure needs.
Wellington County and its member municipalities will receive a combined $5,885,555 from the 2021 funding.
The County of Wellington was allocated $1,863,446, while lower tier allocations were as follows:
- Centre Wellington, $1,271,559;
- Erin, $260,016;
- Guelph-Eramosa, $445,088;
- Puslinch, $168,923;
- Mapleton, $399,840;
- Minto, $506,543; and
- Wellington North, $1,030,120.
“Local municipalities have a partner in the province,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece.
“These funds will be critical for building and repairing roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure.”
