Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is launching a new $10 million Pothole Prevention and Repair Program to help small municipalities maintain local roads.
Under the initiative, municipalities with populations of up to 10,000 people can apply for funding of up to $38,000 to support critical road maintenance and repair work. Applications are now open and will be accepted until Dec. 12.
“By helping municipalities take a proactive approach to road maintenance, the program will reduce repair costs, prevent vehicle damage, and improve safety for all drivers,” said Anthony Di Battista, President of Clearway Construction. “We’re proud to support efforts that strengthen Ontario’s infrastructure and keep our province moving forward.”
The program is aimed at smaller communities that often face challenges maintaining infrastructure due to limited budgets and resources. It builds on the province’s broader infrastructure strategy, which includes about $30 billion in investments over the next decade to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Ontario.
Industry and municipal leaders are welcoming the new program as an important step toward improving road safety and extending the lifespan of local transportation networks.
Rick Dumas, President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), said the funding will “help local governments tackle long-standing maintenance needs, protect critical transportation corridors, and improve safety for families and workers who rely on these roads every day.”
According to the province, about 60 per cent of Ontario’s 444 municipalities qualify for the new program.
“This funding will help small municipalities repair potholes before they cause costly vehicle damage, helping families to travel safely and businesses to keep goods moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In addition to this important program, our government is investing nearly $30 billion to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Ontario, connecting more communities to jobs, housing and economic opportunities.”
For more information or to apply, municipalities can visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.