Fort Frances sewage treatment plant, April 2022. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
The Ford government is providing more details about its plans to build more homes in rural and northern Ontario.
Two new programs were announced last fall.
The Building Faster Fund is offering $120 billion to municipalities, with $1.2 billion specific to small, rural and northern communities not assigned housing targets by the province.
Premier Doug Ford says they now setting up the application process.
“Successful applications will receive funding for important infrastructure projects like roads, water or wastewater that will help get more homes built in your communities,” says Ford.
The province will also soon accept applications for a $200 million fund to improve water, wastewater and storm sewer systems.
Infrastructure Minister Surma Kinga says this could include pump stations, treatment plants, storage tanks and distribution systems.
“All municipalities that own water, waste and stormwater infrastructure will be eligible to submit one application through Ontario’s online grant portal transfer payment Ontario with a maximum project provincial contribution cost of $35 million. Joint municipal applications, rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion projects are eligible and encouraged,” says Kinga.
She adds construction must be ready to go by September 30.
Municipalities will have until April 19 to get their applications in.
