Ontario Building Critical Infrastructure in Simcoe North
Province’s investment of over $7 million across eight local municipalities will help keep workers on the job and promote economic growth
SIMCOE NORTH - The Ontario government is investing over $7 million in Simcoe North to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure across eight municipalities. 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.
The funds are being allocated as follows:
| Municipality Name | 2026 OCIF Allocations |
| Town of Midland | 737,209 |
| City of Orillia | 2,761,821 |
| Town of Penetanguishene | 565,806 |
| Township of Ramara | 340,190 |
| Township of Severn | 717,954 |
| Township of Tay | 625,221 |
| Township of Tiny | 792,266 |
| Township of Oro-Medonte | 586,462 |
"I’m proud to stand alongside our local Mayors today to share this great news for Simcoe North," said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. "Through an investment of over $7 million from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, our government is helping municipalities make vital upgrades to roads, bridges, and water systems that families and businesses rely on every day. This funding will ensure our communities remain strong, connected, and well-prepared for the growth and opportunities ahead."
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.”
QUOTES
“Midland continues to appreciate the yearly injection of Provincial funding to support our public transit infrastructure. This funding is timely and comes just as we are reviewing proposals for the expansion of our public transit and the migration to an on-demand micro-transit model that continues to include fully accessible transit.” Bill Gordon, Mayor of Midland
“The City of Orillia is grateful to receive this welcome news from the province. As a small city with rapidly growing needs, this announcement of over $2.7 million allocated to Orillia [under the 2026 OCIF program] is a vital boost that enables us to build and maintain critical infrastructure that supports our community today, while also guiding our long-term planning to meet the City’s evolving infrastructure priorities in the years ahead.” Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia
“The Town of Penetanguishene is grateful for the continued support provided through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This year’s allocation reinforces our commitment to strengthening essential infrastructure that our residents rely on every day. Funding like the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund ensures we can plan and deliver results for our community. We thank the Province for recognizing the unique needs of small, northern, and rural municipalities and for investing in the future of our communities. We also extend our sincere appreciation to MPP Jill Dunlop for her ongoing support and advocacy in championing grants like this, which make a meaningful difference for communities like ours.” Doug Rawson, Mayor of Penetanguishene
“On behalf of the Township of Ramara, I want to thank the Province of Ontario for this important investment through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This funding plays a vital role in renewing and upgrading our local infrastructure. From improving our roads to maintaining our water and wastewater systems, these investments help ensure that our community remains safe, connected, and well-positioned for future growth.” Basil Clarke, Mayor of Ramara
“I would like to express gratitude on behalf of Council and the Severn community for this significant investment from the province via the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This funding will facilitate the improvement of the road network and ensure that the infrastructure vital for our community is both maintained and enhanced. This will enable our residents to travel safely and efficiently from one location to another, while minimizing costs for the municipality and the families and businesses that choose to make Severn their home. We extend our thanks to the Province of Ontario for this contribution and for investing in Severn's future.” Mike Burkett, Mayor of Severn
“We are grateful for the continued support from the Province through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This annual investment continues to assist the Township in funding priority infrastructure projects such as road resurfacing, and water and wastewater system improvements. For a municipality like Tay, continued investment in core infrastructure is vital to supporting growth and ensuring long-term sustainability. We appreciate MPP Jill Dunlop’s ongoing advocacy for Tay Township and our neighbouring municipalities.” Ted Walker, Mayor of Tay
“On behalf of Council and residents of the Township of Tiny, I want to thank the Province of Ontario and MPP Jill Dunlop for this important investment of $792,266 through the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. This funding directly supports our Council’s 20-year infrastructure and financial forecast, which ensures that critical assets such as roads, bridges, and community facilities remain safe, reliable, and financially sustainable for generations to come. With construction costs and inflation pressures continuing to rise, predictable and stable OCIF funding allows municipalities like Tiny to plan responsibly, keep local workers employed, and maintain the quality of life our residents expect. We look forward to working in partnership with the Province to deliver infrastructure projects that strengthen our community and support long-term economic growth across Simcoe North.” David Evans, Mayor of Tiny
“I want to thank the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in critical infrastructure across our community. This support is essential in helping us maintain and improve the core services our residents rely on every day, while addressing infrastructure gaps that have developed over time.” Randy Greenlaw, Mayor of Oro-Medonte
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.
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 $7,820,125 to help the Township of Severn build water systems that make new housing possible, enabling 3,055.00 in Simcoe North, as well as $675,926 to help the Town of Penetanguishene enable 1,000 in Simcoe North.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Jacqueline Bayley
Executive Assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop
Jacqueline.bayley@pc.ola.org
249-385-6244