Ontario injects $10.9 million into Simcoe County infrastructure

Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop makes a funding announcement at Town Hall in Penetanguishene, Ont., on Fri., Oct. 4, 2024. (Supplied)

The Ontario government is injecting $10.9 million to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in communities across Simcoe County.

Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop made the funding announcement in Penetanguishene on Friday. "These investments will help strengthen our region's infrastructure, boost economic growth, and ensure our municipalities have the resources they need to thrive," she said.

Each community is responsible for allocating the funding as needed.

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The City of Orillia will receive more than $2.8 million, which Councillor Ralph Cipolla said would benefit several roads. "The roads are in really bad shape because of climate change and everything else, so the people of Orillia are looking forward to using that money to fix our roads and infrastructure."

The province's investment will also help reduce tax increases for residents.

Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Rawson said the town would need to prioritize how best to spend the $514,000 it will receive. "Whether it's roads or water, more sidewalks or a new arena, conversations are on the table. There are lots of wants, but we will have to have a discussion to see where it's all going to go."

Other towns receiving infrastructure funding include:

• Tiny $880,000
• Tay $694,000
• Midland $670,000
• Severn $652,000
• Oro Medonte $533,000
• Ramara $377,000

The County will be given the largest piece of the pie, receiving $3.7 million, which Warden Basil Clarke called crucial for improving "the miles of roads and infrastructure we have to look after for our population."

The province said the funding would be delivered in 2025 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.