OTTAWA — August 19, 2026 — The Ontario government is expanding investments in municipal infrastructure, housing, primary care and community services as it works with municipalities to address growth pressures and rising demand for essential services across the province.
The measures were highlighted during the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, where provincial ministers and parliamentary assistants met with representatives from more than 320 municipalities. Nearly 800 meetings were held during the four-day gathering, covering issues ranging from housing and infrastructure to public health and public safety.
$1 Billion to Support Housing-Enabling Infrastructure
A major component of the province’s latest municipal strategy is a $1-billion investment by Ontario and the federal government to support municipalities that do not levy development charges.
The new Non-Development Charge Municipalities Stream of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build will provide funding for housing-enabling infrastructure, including roads, bridges and water systems. Applications are scheduled to open on October 29, 2026.
The initiative is intended to help communities accommodate new housing while addressing infrastructure requirements associated with population growth.
Since 2024, Ontario has awarded more than $3 billion through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, supporting more than 305 projects in over 230 municipalities and First Nations communities.
Ontario Opens $100 Million Recreation Infrastructure Intake
The province has also opened applications for the next intake of its Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, or CSRIF. The latest intake is valued at $100 million and will support construction and upgrades to sport and recreation facilities.
Ontario announced an additional $300 million for the program in its 2026 budget, bringing the government’s total CSRIF investment to $500 million.
Provincial officials say the program is designed to encourage active lifestyles, strengthen local communities and provide athletes with facilities where they can develop their skills.
Primary Care Expansion Targets 600,000 More Ontarians
Health-care access was another major focus of the government’s announcements at the municipal conference.
Ontario plans to launch its next call for proposals in September to establish or expand approximately 78 primary care teams. The initiative is expected to connect another 600,000 people with a family doctor or other primary care provider.
The $250-million investment forms part of Ontario’s $3.4-billion Primary Care Action Plan, through which the province aims to connect everyone in Ontario with primary care by 2029.
Municipalities are also receiving additional support for emergency medical and public health services. Ontario is investing more than $1 billion in land ambulance funding, representing an average increase of nine per cent compared with 2025.
Public health units will receive one per cent growth in base funding for 2027. According to the province, funding for public health programs and services delivered through public health units has increased by approximately 24 per cent since 2018.
“Our government appreciates our strong partnership with Ontario’s 444 municipalities, which has enabled us to make meaningful progress on a number of shared goals,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Despite living through a period of significant uncertainty, Ontario continues to attract people and investment from around the world, building strong communities where people and families are positioned for success.”
Municipalities and Province Focus on Shared Priorities
AMO is a non-profit organization representing Ontario’s 444 municipalities. Its annual conference provides a forum for municipal and provincial leaders to discuss policy priorities and challenges affecting communities across Ontario.
“The AMO conference is an important opportunity for municipalities and the Ontario government to come together, have direct conversations and find practical ways to work together on the challenges facing communities. We welcome these investments and the recognition of the important role municipalities play in building strong, healthy communities.”
- Riley Brockington
President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Rural Communities Included in Provincial Growth Plans
Ontario is also launching the third application window of the Rural Ontario Development Program. The program provides cost-share funding for projects designed to attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and support long-term economic growth in rural communities.
Together, the housing, recreation, health and rural development measures underline the province’s effort to use infrastructure spending and municipal partnerships to respond to population growth while expanding access to services across Ontario.