From left are SDG Counties CAO Maureen Adams, Coun. Marc St. Pierre, Warden-elect Francois Landry, SD-SG MPP Nolan Quinn and South Dundas CAO Ben de Haan.
SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - The Ontario government is investing $10,251,589 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure across Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. The funding will be delivered through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) as part of the government’s more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by building key public infrastructure that will strengthen the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government has a bold plan to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for SDSG. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring SDSG has the roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure to keep our community moving and our workers on the job today, and into the future.” In 2026, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities address critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems. The minimum grant amount for municipalities will increase to $125,000 from $100,000. Funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for the different needs and economic conditions of each community. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.
“Small, rural and northern communities are essential to the growth and prosperity of Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That is why we’re increasing the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund’s minimum grant amount to provide predictability and stability for these communities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. With our record investments across all infrastructure programs, we’re driving an unprecedented wave of construction—highways, transit, hospitals, schools, and more—to make communities stronger, keep workers on the job, and drive economic growth for generations to come.”
The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities, as well as for Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.
“We’re thankful for the strong partnership between the Province of Ontario and our local municipalities through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” said SDG Counties Warden Martin Lang. “This funding helps ensure that essential infrastructure across SDG Counties remains reliable and ready for the future. Investments like these strengthen our communities, support local jobs, and keep rural Ontario moving forward together.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the region.
"The City of Cornwall appreciates the Province’s continued support via the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This funding enables the City to invest in key infrastructure projects, whether it be new builds or rehabilitations, to meet the needs of our community," said Justin Towndale, Mayor of Cornwall.
"We're incredibly grateful for the continued support through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This investment is vital to helping our municipality maintain and improve the infrastructure our residents rely on every day. With this funding, we can ensure safer roads, stronger bridges, and better services that support the future growth and well-being of our community," said Jason Broad, Mayor of South Dundas.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2018, the government provided $2.8 billion through OCIF to support small, rural and northern municipalities.
- Additionally, the province is investing $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) for core infrastructure projects in growing and developing communities. This investment will help unlock even more homes in addition to the approximately 800,000 that have been unlocked with the previously announced pipeline of projects.
- Most recently, the government announced $99,719.94 to help North Dundas build water systems that make new housing possible, enabling 423 new homes in SDSG.