THUNDER BAY – Communities, businesses and residents in North Western Ontario will have the opportunity to ensure the region’s infrastructure needs and priorities are heard as part of the development of the province’s long-term plan to build roads, bridges, transit, hospitals and schools.
Minister Michael Gravelle states, “Communities in northern Ontario have unique infrastructure needs, and our government understands that critical investments directly impact our prosperity and competitiveness. Through our government’s consultation process for Moving Ontario Forward, we hope to identify priority infrastructure projects, so that we can work together to stimulate our economy and create jobs across northern Ontario.”
“Our government’s investment of $130 billion over 10 years into infrastructure across the province is the largest in Ontario’s history. It is critical that we make this investment in a way that it increases the economic potential of Northwestern Ontario. I’m pleased that the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure recognize this unique opportunity and will be coming to Thunder Bay and Kenora in July to hear how we can make the right investments to ensure that Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario continue to grow and thrive,” commented Bill Mauro MPP, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Feedback provided will inform the province when determining how to allocate the remaining $11.5 billion of a $15 billion investment outside the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area as part of Moving Ontario Forward, Ontario’s long-term plan to build critical infrastructure in communities across the province.
This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history — more than $130 billion over 10 years. The government’s plan to build Ontario up is supported by a number of initiatives, including broadening the ownership of Hydro One — an approach that raises billions for infrastructure.
Roundtable consultation meetings will be held in the following communities:
Kenora- July 22
Thunder Bay July 23
Ontarians can also provide feedback online or in writing by September 18, 2015.
Moving Ontario Forward is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
