Perth and Wellington counties will be splitting over $4 million in infrastructure funding.
MPP Matthew Rae announced the funding for his riding that will see Stratford receive $3 million for the resurfacing of Erie and Ontario Street, which is part of Highways 7 and 8. Arthur will get just over $1 million to reconstruct Smith Street. Rae says it’s getting challenging to get funding to keep up with inflation.
“Supply chain issues and inflation affect the government, too. As we emerged from the pandemic and the changes to the supply chain came, I know in long-term care and healthcare they’re facing the rising cost to build new hospitals and long-term care homes. Obviously, the cost to build and repair highways is up, too,” Rae said.
The latest funding is through the Connecting Links program, which provides up to 90 percent of funding for eligible infrastructure projects. Rae says he sees his role as working with municipalities to make sure infrastructure needs can be addressed, and says the province is spending a sizeable amount this year on similar projects across Ontario.
“I know in 2023-24, we’re spending $3.2 billion across all of Ontario, and so I know I want to continue to work with my local municipalities to advocate for the projects which are so important to our local communities,” added Rae.
Connecting Links has a maximum of $3 million for road projects and $5 million for bridge projects that can be provided to municipalities.
“Our government is investing in municipal roads and bridges to support jobs and growth in our local communities,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “By helping municipalities make much needed infrastructure improvements, our government is continuing to deliver on its plan to build a stronger Ontario and keep goods and people moving across the province.”
There will be an application intake for the 2024-25 funding period for municipalities later this year.
