EOWC Concerns Regarding Infrastructure Funding OCIF Reductions in Eastern Ontario Communities
Dear Minister Surma and Parliamentary Assistant Amarjot Sandhu,
On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), I am writing to express our concern regarding the depreciation of Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) allocations in 2026 to our municipalities across eastern Ontario. As a collective representing 1.1 million residents across 50,000 square kilometres, our member municipalities rely heavily on OCIF to maintain critical infrastructure and address mounting capital pressures our rural and small-urban taxpayers face.
Our recent analysis indicates that OCIF allocations to our member municipalities have decreased by 4.5% over the past year, representing a loss of more than $1 million in funding. This decline comes despite rising construction costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing service demands. The reduction in support not only threatens our ability to maintain essential infrastructure, but also limits strategic planning, economic development, and the long-term resilience of our communities.
For the 2026 allocation year, OCIF funding for the EOWC’s 13 upper and single-tier municipalities ranges from $125,000 to $6.38 million. While some of these municipalities have received increased investment, others lack the necessary funding to address basic infrastructure needs, such as vital county road repairs. Notably, more than half of our upper-tier municipalities experienced a decrease in funding, with four facing reductions for the third or fourth consecutive year. In addition, three municipalities received either the minimum grant or below, leaving them significantly under-resourced.
Minister Surma and Parliamentary Assistant Sandhu, we appreciate the ministry’s past support through OCIF and recognize the importance of predictable, formula-based funding. We urge your Ministry to ensure that rural and small-urban municipalities receive fair and sustainable funding, so leaders can plan and maintain critical infrastructure now and for years to come.
The EOWC remains committed to working collaboratively with your government to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Media Contacts
Chair Bonnie Clark (Warden of Peterborough County)
info@eowc.org | 705-927-4207
Meredith Staveley-Watson
Director of Government Relations and Policy
info@eowc.org | 647-545-8324