Media Release
Investing in Hamilton, Ontario to respond to the impacts of COVID-19
Hamilton, Ontario – The health and well-being of Canadians are top priorities for the governments of Canada and Ontario. Communities across Canada are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and need immediate assistance to ensure their municipal and community infrastructure is safe and reliable.
That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done in these unprecedented times.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas and Canada’s Minister of Labour, Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, and His Worship Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton, announced joint funding for five projects in Hamilton, Ontario to improve community and municipal infrastructure.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.9 million toward these projects through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is contributing nearly $1.5 million to these projects.
This important investment will benefit the city of Hamilton by increasing active transportation options, advancing accessibility to municipal buildings, and implementing additional public safety features in facilities across this ambitious city.
On June 9th, 2021, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and provincial partners, announced over $115.1 million to support municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area as they respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows Government of Canada to invest up to 80% in projects that support provinces and up to 100% in projects that support territories and Indigenous communities in their response to the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the wellbeing of all Canadians. As we continue to battle this crisis, ensuring that residents across Ontario have access to safe and inclusive municipal infrastructure is critical. By investing 80 cents on every dollar toward the important projects initiated by municipalities, the Government of Canada is responding to the immediate pressures and concerns of communities as a result of the pandemic. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger, more resilient communities.” - The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Hamiltonians have been on the frontlines in caring for one another and keeping our communities going during this pandemic. I am proud that the federal government is investing more than $5.9 million in projects that will support critical infrastructure and improve the lives of people right here at home. Today’s announcement is yet another example of the importance our federal government places on investing in the vibrancy and growth of our ambitious city.” - The Hon. Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas & Federal Minister of Labour
“This investment underscores the Ontario government’s commitment in supporting municipalities and communities during this unprecedented time,” said MPP Donna Skelly. “This funding will help the City of Hamilton address critical infrastructure needs that have been exacerbated because of COVID-19.” - Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook
“Today’s investment in community and municipal infrastructure projects in Hamilton comes at a most opportune time as we continue to work together to reopen and rebuilt our economy. I am pleased and grateful that the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario continue to work together for the betterment of the people of Ontario and are making strategic infrastructure investments in Hamilton and communities across the province when needed most. This funding is another example of how the City of Hamilton's cooperation and partnership with the other governments is helping our community.” - His Worship Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton, Ontario
Quick facts
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. Ontario is investing $10.2 billion in this program.
- To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.
- Through the COVID-19 Resilience stream, over $3 billion is available to provide provinces and territories with added flexibility to fund quick-start, short term projects.
- Under the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure stream, the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects is 80 per cent in the provinces, and 100 per cent in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.
- The Government of Canada has invested over $13.9 billion in more than 3,200 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.
Additional resources
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People & Programs
Public Health
COVID-19
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