Province gives King $91,000 in infrastructure money

November 19, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
King Township will get an annual $91,000 shot in the arm, thanks to new funding from Queen’s Park.
Ontario is providing stable, annual funding, supporting improvements to critical infrastructure in the Township of King while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
Through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), the Township of King will receive $91,709 annually to support improvements and repairs to road, bridge, water and wastewater projects.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini is excited and “grateful for every last dollar we get.”
King has plenty of road and bridge work on the table, including the $2 million replacement of the Graham Sideroad bridge.
The OCIF is part of the government’s comprehensive plan for a strong Ontario that builds people’s talents and skills, builds a more dynamic business environment, builds new infrastructure and builds a more secure retirement for Ontarians.
“Infrastructure investments are essential for creating a stronger and sustainable future, which is why our government is making investments in the Township of King through the new Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF),” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham and Minister of Community and Social Services.
“I am grateful to the provincial government for funding that will assist with road, bridge repair and rehabilitation in the Township of King. For a small municipality, these dollars make a significant impact on the level of service that we provide to our residents,” said Mayor Steve Pellegrini.
“Our government is fulfilling a commitment to provide a permanent infrastructure program that will continue to build up small, rural and northern communities. We listened to our municipal partners, who know what’s best for their communities. This is why providing predictable, sustainable, annual funding is a key component of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“Making important infrastructure investments creates jobs, builds our economy, and supports communities across Ontario. These communities now have access to reliable, predictable provincial funding to help them achieve their goals,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
The Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund provides $100 million annually to support critical infrastructure in small, rural and northern municipalities.
Half of the funding is allocated annually using a fair and transparent formula, which recognizes that municipalities have different infrastructure and fiscal needs. The remaining $50 million is available through an application-based process, allowing municipalities to continue partnering with the province to invest in critical infrastructure projects that will create jobs and support strong communities.
Since 2003, the province has invested nearly $100 billion in public infrastructure. These investments have helped municipalities repair and upgrade roads and bridges, revitalize community infrastructure and modernize and expand transit systems.
Ontario plans to invest more than $130 billion in public infrastructure over the next 10 years. This will support more than 110,000 jobs on average each year in construction and related industries.
For more, contact Minister Jaczek at 1-866-531-9551 or hjaczek.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.