Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop provided some much needed help to municipalities at a key time in their fiscal calendars.
As regional councillors get to work on putting together a budget for the upcoming year, Dunlop announced $10.9 million in funding designed to ease the pressure now facing all governments, especially towns, cities and townships struggling with major infrastructure needs.
“We work strongly together as partners,” Dunlop told local mayors and municipal representatives gathered in Penetanguishene’s council chambers Friday.
“Each of our municipalities continues to work hard. This investment will have lasting impacts. It makes North Simcoe a thriving region for all. I’m proud to be part of that.
“This funding will provide crucial support for infrastructure projects that directly impact our communities—whether it's improving local roads, enhancing water systems, or building new community facilities."
Breaking down the funding, the County of Simcoe gets the largest chunk of change with $3.7 million heading its ways as part of the 2025 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund allocations.
“This money is crucial,” said county Warden Basil Clarke, who is also mayor of Ramara Township and noted rural municipalities are struggling to add new infrastructure given their relatively small populations and distance between residents.
“We have a small amount of users on an expensive system.”
Midland will receive $670,000 with neighbouring Penetanguishene getting $514,000.
Midland Mayor Bill Gordon said the funding will help both his town and Penetanguishene continue to provide its inter-municipal transit service and keep the “wheels on the bus” turning.
“We couldn’t do it without these funds,” Gordon said, noting the service isn’t a money maker, but is an essential one since it ensures residents can move around the municipality at a reasonable cost.
“The injection of cash helps.”
Tiny Mayor David Evans said that with a 440-kilometre road network, the funding will help with necessary repairs and maintenance.
“We’re constantly updating infrastructure,” Evans said, noting the township continues to work to develop partnerships with its neighbours.
“This money will go an immeasurable way.”
All totalled, the province is allocating $400 million in OCIF funding for 2025 to help 423 small, rural and northern communities build roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.
After the county, Orillia receives the next largest slice of the pie with $2.8 million slated to go into city coffers next year.
Orillia Coun. Ralph Cipolla, who represented Mayor Don McIsaac at the announcement, said the funding will help the municipality from being sued, given the poor condition of its road and sidewalk network.
“Some of our roads are in terrible shape,” he said, adding that McIsaac and the rest of council will decide how to best utilize the funding.
Close to Orillia, Severn Township will get $652,000, Oro-Medonte Township $533,000, Ramara Township $377,000.
Severn Township Deputy Mayor Judith Cox said that while they’re not sure yet what they’ll do with the funding, it’s definitely most welcome.
“It’s a windfall for us,” Cox said. “We’re going into pre-budget meetings. Maybe, we’ll be able to do an extra project.”
