Ontario Launches Second Intake of $20M Rural Ontario Development Program at ROMA Conference

Second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program opens to support infrastructure, jobs and economic growth in rural communities across Ontario.

TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced the second intake of the $20 million Rural Ontario Development Program, opening new funding opportunities aimed at strengthening rural economies, upgrading infrastructure and protecting jobs in communities across the province.

The announcement was made Monday at the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto, where provincial leaders are meeting with municipal officials to address shared priorities including housing, infrastructure, transportation and economic resilience.

Premier Doug Ford said the investment is part of the government’s broader effort to shield Ontario’s economy from global uncertainty while ensuring rural communities have the tools needed to grow and remain competitive.

“In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our government is doubling down on our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities,” Ford said, highlighting record investments in infrastructure, red-tape reduction and job creation.

Who Can Apply and What the Funding Supports

Applications for the second intake are now open to rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations. The program is designed to support projects that:

• Strengthen local and regional economies

• Build or modernize infrastructure

• Support workforce retention and job creation

• Improve community resilience

The Rural Ontario Development Program is a key pillar of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy, which outlines the province’s long-term vision for rural growth.

This morning, I spoke at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference about our government’s plan to protect jobs and communities in rural Ontario.

Rural Ontario is an engine of our province’s economy, and we’re investing to provide the services, infrastructure and support… pic.twitter.com/CMzxb77V8K

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 19, 2026

Complementary Investments in Water and Infrastructure

The funding announcement follows a major infrastructure commitment made last week, when Ontario unveiled an additional $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade aging water systems.

That funding flows through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which was expanded to $4 billion last year. A significant portion is allocated to the Health and Safety Water Stream, supporting safe drinking water, housing development and climate resilience.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack said the combined investments reflect a whole-of-government approach to rural sustainability.

“From infrastructure to agriculture to housing, we’re doing what’s needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the future of rural Ontario,” Flack said.

ROMA Conference Focuses on Rural Priorities

ROMA, the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), serves as a central forum for collaboration between municipal leaders and the province. This year’s conference includes more than 650 meetings between government officials and municipalities from across Ontario.

ROMA Chair Christa Lowry, who is also Mayor of Mississippi Mills, said the renewed funding intake will help rural communities address infrastructure challenges while unlocking economic potential.

“When rural Ontario thrives, the entire province prospers,” Lowry said.

Broader Rural and Northern Investments

The government also highlighted additional investments supporting rural and northern Ontario, including:

• $875 million in water infrastructure funding through MHIP

• $250 million annually by 2027-28 for the Ontario Risk Management Program to support farmers

• $583 million this year through the Northern Highways Program

• Progress on restoring the Northlander passenger rail service, connecting northern communities to Toronto

Together, the initiatives aim to strengthen transportation links, protect local industries and support long-term economic growth outside major urban centres.

Looking Ahead

Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa M. Thompson said the program reflects Ontario’s commitment to ensuring rural communities remain strong, competitive and livable.

“This strategy is protecting rural communities and helping them thrive in uncertain economic times,” she said.

Applications for the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program are now open, with details available through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

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