Infrastructure and Broadband

The Infrastructure Programs Unit works with the Federal and Provincial government to design, develop, implement and case manage infrastructure-related programs. The unit focuses on improving the quality of life in Ontario by stimulating economic activities within communities. Infrastructure programs make our economy more competitive and create jobs which remain key priorities for our government. This unit manages infrastructure programs that include: Building Canada Fund (BCF), Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program (OSWAP), and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF).

 

 

The Building Canada Fund - Communities Component (BCF-CC) supports local scale infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations of less than 100,000. This investment provides communities with support in addressing their infrastructure pressures.

 

 

The Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC) targets larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance. Investment in these larger projects is provided through the Federal government on a cost-shared basis. This process leverages additional contributions from other local partners to increase overall investment in infrastructure.

 

 

The Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program (OSWAP) provides funding to assist northern and rural municipalities with water systems with less than 5000 users. This funding is designed to assist with the challenges of financial sustainability and affordability of municipal drinking water systems.

 

 

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) invests in construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects for provincial, territorial and municipal governments. These infrastructure projects help to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their local infrastructure. Projects under ISF are part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to accelerate the construction of new community projects across the country.

The Government of Ontario is committed to building strong, sustainable rural communities. A modern, efficient and reliable telecommunications system is part of the plan.

A Digital Strategy for Ontario recognizes the importance of affordable, accessible and reliable broadband for public and private sectors in rural areas. This will provide individuals and communities with opportunities to fully participate in the digital economy, thereby stimulating citizen engagement, job growth and economic diversification in rural communities.

Strategic investments in broadband infrastructure will help rural communities foster partnerships and pursue innovative approaches to promote economic development and improve access to government programs and services.

The Rural Connections Broadband Program is helping to expand broadband availability in rural Ontario.