Ontario rolls out new rural funding as applications open provincewide

The Premier said the funding is part of the province's plan to protect workers and communities during a period of global economic uncertainty.

The Ontario government is launching a new intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, committing $20 million to support jobs, infrastructure and economic growth in rural communities.

The announcement was made at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, with applications now open to rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations.

Premier Doug Ford said the funding is part of the province’s plan to protect workers and communities during a period of global economic uncertainty.

The program follows a separate announcement last week of $700 million for water infrastructure upgrades in 127 municipalities and First Nations communities. That funding flows through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which now totals $4 billion, including $875 million dedicated to health and safety water projects.

ROMA, the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, says the conference allows municipal leaders to work directly with the province on priorities such as housing, transportation and health care.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said the investments are aimed at keeping workers on the job and building long-term stability in rural Ontario.