Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker says local municipalities can apply for funding to upgrade critical local water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Communities in Ontario with populations under 100,000 can now apply for funding to support infrastructure through the Green Infrastructure stream under the joint federal-provincial Infrastructure program.
Municipalities, First Nations, along with local service boards, conservation authorities and other not-for-profit entities who own eligible infrastructure assets may apply for project funding up to a maximum of $3 million in total per project.
Approximately $200 million is available in federal and provincial funding. Submissions are due in January 2020
The province anticipates launching an additional intake of the Green Infrastructure stream in 2020 that could focus on other emerging priorities for water, wastewater and stormwater projects and/or disaster mitigation.
“The people of Ontario have water-related infrastructure needs, and we are helping them to fill the gaps, especially for projects that address critical health and safety concerns in our communities,” said Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott. “These investments make our local infrastructure safer and more reliable and give them the ability to grow economically.”
“I’m very happy to see the Green Infrastructure stream open for applications,” said Walker. “There are many local infrastructure needs in our communities and the Green stream is another avenue to improve local water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and drive economic growth.”
The province anticipates the Green Infrastructure stream will be very competitive.
The Green Infrastructure stream, as per federal parameters, aims to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, enable greater adaptation and resilience to the impacts of extreme weather and disaster mitigation. It also helps ensure communities can provide clean air and safe drinking water for everyone.