Municipalities across Haliburton County are splitting just over $1.1 million in provincial money from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott announced Dec. 11 the taxpayer money is to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure across the Highlands.
“Together, we are building a foundation for a prosperous future by fostering economic growth and creating more jobs within the region by improving roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems,” Scott said.
The County of Haliburton received around 40 per cent of the funds, taking in $455,416. CAO Greg Dyke said the money will be used to offset the cost of repairing and upgrading bridges and large culverts. He noted the upper-tier council was in the process of identifying specific projects the funds will be allocated to via the 2024 capital budget.
Dysart et al will receive $288,155, Minden Hills $163,996, and Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East each $100,000. The CAOs of each township noted the money will be allocated for projects during 2024 budget deliberations.
OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in communities with less than 100,000 residents, as well as all rural and northern communities. Funding allocations are based on a formula that considers the different needs and economic conditions of each community, Scott said.
In 2024, the government is allocating approximately $400 million in OCIF funds to 425 communities. Scott noted communities may accumulate funds for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects
