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Ontario government dedicating $15.7 million to local infrastructure upgrades

The funding will be split between Niagara Region and the City of Niagara Falls. Photo Credit: Niagara Independent.  

The demand for accessible and affordable homes is accelerating throughout Ontario and Niagara. With this fact in mind, the provincial government has been making targeted investments to support the infrastructure updates required to accommodate new housing developments. 

Last week, the Ford government announced that it would dedicate $15.7 million, through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, in support of major upgrades to McLeod Road, which is located in the City of Niagara Falls. 

“The improvements to McLeod Road in Niagara Falls are a very welcome investment that will enable positive growth and benefit our entire Niagara community,” said Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley in a statement. 

The lion’s share of the funding ($11 million) will be given to The Regional Municipality of Niagara. The remaining $4,781,250 will be received by the City of Niagara Falls. 

The funds will help to complete the widening and reconstruction of McLeod Road. It is anticipated that nearly 8,000 new homes can soon be constructed in Niagara Falls because of this redevelopment project. 

“Roads, sewers and sidewalks are not sexy and do not always make headlines, but they are necessary to grow and expand neighbourhoods to house families in our community,” Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati shared in a release. “We are very grateful for the Ontario government’s support for this critical work that will have a major impact in Niagara Falls for years to come.” 

While Ford’s decision to call an early provincial election is being attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of widespread tariffs on Canadian exports, housing policy and infrastructure planning are still expected to be large issues during the February campaign.

“To keep pace with growing communities across our province, our government is helping municipalities build more homes faster than ever before,” explained the Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma in a release. “Families and residents need safe and reliable roads and bridges to access these homes and travel safely to and from their destinations,” she continued. 

 “That is why we are making targeted, local investments through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream to support the construction of municipal roads, bridges and culverts that keep residents safe and foster stronger, more connected communities across Ontario.” 

Those interested in learning more about the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program can do so at the following link: Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.

 

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