Ontario Premier Doug Ford used his address to municipal leaders at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa to outline the province’s economic, infrastructure and housing agenda, while announcing that a new round of applications is open for Ontario’s $500-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
Speaking to mayors, councillors, wardens, First Nations leaders and municipal officials, Ford positioned infrastructure investment, housing construction, data centres and resource development as central parts of the government’s strategy to strengthen Ontario’s economy amid continuing uncertainty over U.S. trade policy.
Ontario Responds to Wildfires and U.S. Tariff Risks
Ford began his remarks by recognizing firefighters and communities responding to wildfires in Northern Ontario.
“To those who have been forced from their homes, know that our government will not spare a single penny to fight these fires and keep people safe. And when you return home, we will be there to help you recover and rebuild.”
The premier said Ontario has spent nearly $1.5 billion fighting wildland fires since his government took office and is adding six water bombers and five helicopters to the provincial fleet. More than 170 permanent frontline positions have also been created over the past three years, he said.
Ford then turned to economic risks associated with U.S. tariffs, including President Donald Trump’s latest threat of tariffs of up to 50 per cent.
“As we gather here today, workers and businesses across Ontario continue to be threatened by U.S. tariffs, including President Trump’s latest threat of new tariffs up to 50 per cent.”
The premier said Ontario would continue pushing for a Team Canada approach while strengthening the province’s ability to withstand external economic shocks.
Investment and Data Centres Form Part of Growth Strategy
Ford said Ontario has attracted more than $235 billion in investment since 2018 and created more than one million jobs. He also pointed to more than 52,000 jobs created in July and nearly 120,000 over the previous four months.
The province’s recently announced Data Centre Playbook was highlighted as another element of its investment strategy. Under the framework, data centre operators would be expected to cover the full cost of their electricity consumption, with Ontario not offering financial incentives to attract projects.
“We will only advance projects that strengthen Ontario and Canada’s control over sensitive data. We will only advance projects that meet Ontario’s strict environmental standards around water consumption and noise.”
Ford said qualifying projects would also be expected to provide benefits to host communities, including infrastructure investments, employment and workforce training.
Ring of Fire and Energy Corridor Highlighted
Resource development featured prominently in the address. Ford pointed to road construction connected to the Ring of Fire, including work with Webequie First Nation.
According to the premier, the roads could help unlock $22 billion in economic opportunities and support 70,000 jobs across mining and manufacturing.
The government is also advancing its proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, which Ford said would carry Canadian oil from Alberta to Sarnia through an entirely Canadian route.
“To support Ontario’s growth, we’re also doubling down on our $236 billion plan to build, which is the largest infrastructure plan of its kind in Canadian history — building hospitals, schools, highways and transit to connect communities, create jobs and grow our economy.”
Ontario Links Infrastructure Funding to Housing Construction
Housing was another major focus of Ford’s address. The province is investing $8.8 billion with the federal government in housing-enabling infrastructure, including funding for municipalities that reduce development charges.
Ford highlighted Toronto’s decision to cut development charges by up to 60 per cent on new homes, which was followed by a $1.5-billion provincial funding commitment.
The premier also said $1 billion would be available for housing-enabling infrastructure in municipalities that do not levy development charges, with applications scheduled to open October 29.
“We’re seeing the results with new homes sales up 130 per cent compared to last year. My message is clear: there’s never been a better time to buy. There’s never been a better time to build.”
New Round Opens for $500-Million Community Infrastructure Fund
Ford concluded the policy portion of his address by announcing that applications are now open for the next round of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
The fund, increased to $500 million in Ontario’s 2026 budget, supports projects involving arenas, pools, playing fields, community centres and other recreational infrastructure.
“Earlier this year, through our 2026 provincial budget, we increased the fund to $500 million, and today I’m thrilled to announce that the next round of applications for the fund is officially open. So, if your community has an eligible project that is ready to go, I encourage you to apply so we can get building.”
Ford said the province would continue working with municipalities on housing, investment and infrastructure as it seeks to strengthen Ontario’s economy.
“And working together, we will get it done. So let’s keep working together to protect Ontario.”