OCIF allocations announced for 2020, Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake receiving funding

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout and the Township of Pickle Lake are two of the 424 small, rural and northern communities which will receive funding this year through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF).
The Government of Ontario announced on Jan. 17 it will be spending $200 million to help these communities build and repair critical local infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure.
The Township of Pickle Lake will receive $50,000, while the Municipality of Sioux Lookout will receive $223, 983.
“Ontario's economy is thriving, but we must ensure every person and every region across the province can share in this prosperity,” Premier Doug Ford stated, in a news release issued by the provincial government. “Investing in infrastructure is critical to helping rural communities attract, support and sustain economic growth and job creation.”
“Our government is investing in community-based infrastructure projects that will build healthier and safer communities,” stated Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “This funding builds on our ongoing commitment to support small, rural and northern municipalities across Ontario.”
Part of the government’s Plan to Build Ontario Together, OCIF is intended to assist eligible communities invest in their local infrastructure and asset management planning by providing stable and predictable funding for communities with populations under 100,000, along with all rural and northern communities.
“Today's announcement provides the predictable and stable infrastructure funding small, rural and northern municipalities have requested," added Minister Scott. “With this OCIF funding, we are working directly with our municipal partners to help them build much-needed community infrastructure.”
“The province uses a fair and transparent formula to distribute funding, recognizing that municipalities have different infrastructure needs. These investments will help eligible communities attract jobs and investment, as well as build local capacity to grow and thrive,” the news release further stated.
“OCIF is an excellent example of the stable, predictable infrastructure funding small and rural communities need to help sustain and develop local communities and economies. OCIF's formula-based funding helps build and maintain Ontario's network of local roads and bridges and critical water, wastewater and stormwater systems,” said AMO President Jamie McGarvey.  “The announcement of 2020 OCIF allocations is timely and much appreciated.”