As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is launching the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 million investment to strengthen the economies of rural communities, build infrastructure and keep workers on the job. The announcement was made at the 2026 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference, with applications opening immediately for rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations.
"In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our government is doubling down on our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities," said Premier Doug Ford. "We're making record investments in rural services and infrastructure, and we're cutting red tape and keeping costs down to help attract investments and create jobs in rural communities. I appreciate the support and collaboration from ROMA and all our rural communities as we work together to protect workers and their families from tariffs, economic uncertainty and anything else that comes our way."
The government also announced an additional $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure across the province. The funding comes from the province's Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which was increased to a total of $4 billion last year to support the province's goal of getting more shovels in the ground and homes built across Ontario. The funding will flow to recipients through MHIP's Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS), which now totals $875 million of the total $4 billion MHIP. Funding will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The conference is an opportunity for municipal leaders and the province to collaborate on rural priorities, such as housing, infrastructure, transportation, health care and international trade. This year, the Ontario government is holding over 650 meetings with municipalities and municipal organizations from across the province.
"Our government is working to protect the people and families who call rural Ontario home," said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "From making investments in infrastructure, to supporting Ontario farmers, to creating the conditions to get more homes built, we are doing what is needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the bright future that is in store for our rural communities. Our appreciation goes out to the many municipal partners and ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, who are working tirelessly to advance these goals alongside us."
Quick Facts
- The Ministry of Rural Affairs will hold Rural Summits in 2026 to hear about progress and future plans for the prosperity of Rural Ontario, as first detailed in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario's Rural Economic Development Strategy.
- Last year, Ontario announced additional support for the Ontario Risk Management Program, investing $250 million per year by 2027-28 to help strengthen agri-food sector resilience during market instability.
- Ontario is investing approximately $583 million this year through the Northern Highways Program, which includes widening Highway 69 from Sudbury to Parry Sound, upgrading Highway 584, and expanding sections of the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon and Kenora to the Manitoba border.
- Earlier this month, the province marked a major milestone in its commitment to bring back the Northlander with the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets in Ontario. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with 16 stops along the route, including a connection to Cochrane.
Quotes
"Since it was introduced a year ago, Ontario's Rural Economic Development Strategy is protecting rural communities and helping them to thrive in these uncertain economic times. This strategy, which includes the Rural Ontario Development Program, supports our whole-of-government approach to ensure rural Ontario continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family."
- Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs
"Modern water systems and a new Rural Ontario Development Program intake help rural growth and sustainability. This support allows municipalities to fix aging infrastructure, while unlocking our communities' economic potential. When rural Ontario thrives, the entire province prospers. We thank members of the Ontario Government for attending ROMA and we look forward to working together on our shared priorities."
- Christa Lowry, Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), Mayor, Mississippi Mills
"The ROMA Conference is about the opportunity for municipal and provincial leaders to have meaningful conversations about how we can build a stronger rural Ontario together. Municipalities stand with the province to shield our economy from external pressures. With provincial support, we can protect our quality of life, build more homes, and drive growth in every corner of Ontario."
- Robin Jones, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Mayor, Village of Westport
"Our government is protecting Ontario by investing up to $875 million in local water systems through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program's Health and Safety Water Stream. This funding builds on previous investments in municipal water infrastructure and will ensure safe, reliable water services for 127 municipalities and First Nations, while protecting communities from extreme weather, supporting housing and keeping workers on the job."
- Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure
"Our government is committed to protecting our farmers, helping to make their businesses more resilient and competitive - even as they face pressures outside of their control. Increasing annual funding for the Risk Management Program to $250 million by 2027 will support farmers in responding to market challenges, while also driving progress on our ambitious Grow Ontario Strategy goals."
- Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
"Our government is making historic investments in northern highway infrastructure as part of our plan to protect Ontario by building a stronger, more resilient economy. These investments will improve traffic flow along critical arteries as our province continues to break down barriers to interprovincial trade and support good-paying jobs for workers and industries across Ontario."
- Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
"Through the Buy Ontario Act, our government is leveraging our procurement spend to keep jobs and our money right here at home. With U.S. tariffs hitting our workers and businesses, we're stepping up to protect Ontario -- especially the small and rural businesses that feel it the most. By working together with municipalities, we're building a stronger, more self reliant Ontario."
- Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
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