Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

The Government of Canada has announced the creation of a new $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, aimed at getting shovels in the ground for infrastructure projects across Canada over the next two years. Ontario has agreed to match federal funding and to work together with Canada to ensure that these funds are delivered expeditiously and efficiently to municipalities in the province. These funds are focused on the rehabilitation of existing assets, but new construction is eligible, provided it can be fully completed by March 31, 2011, and it represents an incremental investment on the part of the municipality.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund works by having the federal and provincial governments match municipal contributions towards infrastructure projects on an equal basis. All parties share one-third of the total eligible project cost. This funding will help create jobs and provide much-needed stimulus to the economy. It will also help municipal governments meet their varied and growing infrastructure needs.

Proponents will be required to attest that the projects would not have been built over the next two construction seasons without the federal and provincial funding.

Your municipality can complete applications for up to three projects. Municipalities are encouraged to contact the Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Secretariat at 1-866-306-7827 to get a username and password to access the on-line application form.

All applications are due on May 1, 2009. Proponents will be notified quickly so that construction may begin. Financial agreements will be signed between the Province of Ontario and municipalities. Prior to final approval of your funding and the conclusion of an agreement with the province, the Municipality must provide proof of Council support for each approved project and the municipal contribution.