The Ontario government says it’s committing billions in new funding to build stronger communities, with housing and health care at the centre of its agenda.
At the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, Premier Doug Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, bringing the total commitment to $4 billion. Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the funding will help municipalities unlock housing supply and drive economic growth.
“Our government’s $4 billion investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program will help communities across Ontario build the infrastructure they need to unlock more housing and support economic growth,” Surma said. She noted the province is also advancing a $200 billion capital plan to get shovels in the ground faster on critical projects.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said the province is working with municipalities to keep workers employed and tackle the housing crisis, supported by the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund and new legislation to speed up approvals.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced land ambulance funding will rise an average 8.7 per cent from 2024, reaching nearly $1 billion provincewide. She also highlighted progress on 28 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs, which will provide close to 900 supportive housing units across Ontario.
AMO President Robin Jones, Mayor of Westport, said collaboration between municipalities and the province is critical to addressing shared challenges like housing, health care, and infrastructure.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)