Province Announces Second Intake of $20M Rural Ontario Development Program at Annual ROMA Conference

Press Release – Province of Ontario 

As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is launching the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 million investment to strengthen the economies of rural communities, build infrastructure and keep workers on the job.​ The announcement was made at the 2026 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference, with applications opening immediately for rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups and not-for-profit organizations.

“In the midst of global economic uncertainty, our government is doubling down on our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re making record investments in rural services and infrastructure, and we’re cutting red tape and keeping costs down to help attract investments and create jobs in rural communities. I appreciate the support and collaboration from ROMA and all our rural communities as we work together to protect workers and their families from tariffs, economic uncertainty and anything else that comes our way.”

Last week, the government also announced an additional $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure across the province. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which was increased to a total of $4 billion last year to support the province’s goal of getting more shovels in the ground and homes built across Ontario. The funding will flow to recipients through MHIP’s Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS), which now totals $875 million of the total $4 billion MHIP. Funding will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

"Modern water systems and a new Rural Ontario Development Program intake help rural growth and sustainability. This support allows municipalities to fix aging infrastructure, while unlocking our communities’ economic potential,” said Christa Lowry, Chair, ROMA, and Mayor, Municipality of Mississippi Mills. “When rural Ontario thrives, the entire province prospers. We thank members of the Ontario Government for attending ROMA and we look forward to working together on our shared priorities."

ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The conference is an opportunity for municipal leaders and the province to collaborate on rural priorities, such as housing, infrastructure, transportation, health care and international trade. This year, the Ontario government is holding over 650 meetings with municipalities and municipal organizations from across the province.

“Our government is working to protect the people and families who call rural Ontario home,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “From making investments in infrastructure, to supporting Ontario farmers, to creating the conditions to get more homes built, we are doing what is needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the bright future that is in store for our rural communities. Our appreciation goes out to the many municipal partners and ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, who are working tirelessly to advance these goals alongside us.”

"Since it was introduced a year ago, Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy is protecting rural communities and helping them to thrive in these uncertain economic times,” said Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “This strategy, which includes the Rural Ontario Development Program, supports our whole-of-government approach to ensure rural Ontario continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family."

"The ROMA Conference is about the opportunity for municipal and provincial leaders to have meaningful conversations about how we can build a stronger rural Ontario together,” said Robin Jones, President, AMO, and Mayor, Village of Westport. “Municipalities stand with the province to shield our economy from external pressures. With provincial support, we can protect our quality of life, build more homes, and drive growth in every corner of Ontario."

Quick facts

• The Ministry of Rural Affairs will hold Rural Summits in 2026 to hear about progress and future plans for the prosperity of Rural Ontario, as first detailed in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.
• Last year, Ontario announced additional support for the Ontario Risk Management Program, investing $250 million per year by 2027-28 to help strengthen agri-food sector resilience during market instability.
• Ontario is investing approximately $583 million this year through the Northern Highways Program, which includes widening Highway 69 from Sudbury to Parry Sound, upgrading Highway 584, and expanding sections of the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon and Kenora to the Manitoba border.
• Earlier this month, the province marked a major milestone in its commitment to bring back the Northlander with the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets in Ontario. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with 16 stops along the route, including a connection to Cochrane.

Additional resources

Rural Ontario Development Program

Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program

Grow Ontario Strategy

Building More Homes