The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected smaller communities across the province. While moving towards recovery, investments in infrastructure in rural and northern Ontario are vital to successful, thriving communities and their economies.

“Investments in public infrastructure, such as improving roads for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, help build strong rural communities and improve the quality of life for our residents. We are proud to support these projects—and many others like them across the country—that will help to ensure that Belleville, Quinte West and other communities remain among the best places to live, work and raise a family.”

Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“These investments will keep people moving safely and effectively within our growing Bay of Quinte communities. The rejuvenation of Quinte West's King Street corridor enhances a well-travelled link to key infrastructure in Trenton, while a widened Bell Boulevard is crucial for further development in Belleville. Both project areas also provide access for visitors coming off Hwy 401. This collaboration is great news."

The Honourable Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Bay of Quinte on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure 

“The Bell Boulevard construction project is essential to accommodate the rapid traffic growth, increase safety and reduce congestion on this roadway. This Federal and Provincial funding has made it possible for us to proceed with widening this road from two to four lanes, addressing the extraordinary commercial and industrial growth pressures this area is about to experience.”

His Worship Mitch Panciuk, Mayor of the City of Belleville

“The City of Quinte West is pleased to be partnering with the Provincial and Federal governments on the King Street Redevelopment Project. Their investment will help revitalize two major roadways within our community, one of which leads to our hospital. This important partnership ensures we are providing residents with safe and sustainable infrastructure they can count on for years to come.”

His Worship Jim Harrison, Mayor of the City of Quinte West

• 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.

• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity.

• Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community infrastructure.

• The Rural Economic Development Strategy leverages ongoing federal investments and provides a vision for the future, identifying practical steps to take in the short term, and serving as a foundation to guide further work.

• Central to Canada’s Connectivity Strategy are historic new investments that are mobilizing up to $6 billion toward universal connectivity. They include a top-up to the Connect to Innovate Program, a new Universal Broadband Fund, and investments from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

• On June 3, 2020, Ontario announced it was investing $150 million to launch the Improving Connectivity in Ontario program to fund broadband infrastructure projects in rural, remote and underserved regions of Ontario. This is part of the province's $315 million initiative Up to Speed: Ontario's Broadband and Cellular Action Plan.

Associated links

• Government of Canada Resources - Coronavirus disease (COVID 19)
• Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada
• Connecting Ontario: improving broadband and cellular access
• Ontario Builds Project Map

Marie-Pier Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
613-295-8123
marie-pier.baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca

Christine Bujold
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
416-454-1782
christine.bujold@ontario.ca

Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
437-991-3391 
sofia.Sousa-Dias@ontario.ca

Hannah Brown
Community Engagement Officer
City of Quinte West
hannah.brown@quintewest.ca
613-392-2841 ext. 4455

Marilyn Warren
Communications Coordinator
City of Belleville
mwarren@belleville.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Web: Infrastructure Canada