The Ontario government has launched the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, committing $20 million to support rural communities by strengthening local economies, building infrastructure, and keeping workers employed. The program is open to rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups, and not-for-profit organizations, and the announcement was made at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the investment aims to attract private investment, create jobs, and protect rural communities from economic uncertainty.
In addition to the Rural Ontario Development Program, the government announced $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure. This funding comes through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) and its Health and Safety Water Stream, supporting safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection against extreme weather events. These measures complement Ontario’s broader rural strategy and demonstrate a commitment to building resilient communities across the province.
The ROMA conference provided an opportunity for collaboration between municipal leaders and the provincial government on rural priorities, including infrastructure, housing, transportation, health care, and trade. Ministers highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Ontario Risk Management Program, which will receive $250 million per year by 2027-28 to support the agri-food sector, and investments in northern highways totaling $583 million, which will improve major transportation routes and support economic growth.
Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy underpins these investments, aiming to create opportunities, protect workers, and sustain growth in rural communities. The province is also investing in projects like the return of the Northlander train service, providing transportation links that connect northern communities with major urban centers. Government leaders emphasized that these combined investments not only protect local economies but also enhance quality of life, foster business resilience, and strengthen rural Ontario as a vital part of the provincial economy.
