Ontario Supporting Small, Rural and Northern Communities

Local infrastructure funding will help create jobs and support economic growth in Oxford

December 15, 2023

WOODSTOCK — The Ontario government is investing $8,128,770 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Oxford and its municipalities. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and is part of the government’s plan to support economic growth and job creation.

“I’m pleased to see this funding for municipalities in Oxford,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This funding allows our municipal partners to address critical infrastructure needs, including road, bridge, water and wastewater projects.”

In 2024, the government will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 425 small, rural and northern communities pay for infrastructure projects. If necessary, a community may accumulate its funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects.

The allocations for Oxford include:

Blandford-Blenheim – $418,811                    East Zorra-Tavistock – $154,213

Ingersoll – $453,522                                       Norwich – $395,860

Oxford County – $5,011,153                          South-West Oxford – $247,052

Tillsonburg – $385,179                                   Woodstock – $896,887

Zorra – $166,093

“Small, rural and northern communities need stable funding for their unique infrastructure needs and to provide safe and reliable services,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why our government continues to provide funding, especially during these challenging economic times. Our investments in community infrastructure are helping to create jobs, build stronger local economies, and lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Ontario for generations to come.”

OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in communities with populations under 100,000, as well as all rural and northern communities. Funding allocations are based on a formula that takes into account the different needs and economic conditions of each community.