The province is using part of the proceeds from the sale of Hydro One to help Greater Sudbury and municipalities across Ontario pay for road and other infrastructure projects.
Sudbury MPP and Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault announced Wednesday morning the city is receiving $19.5 million over the next three years, its share of a $300-million program partly funded by the sale of the provincial utility.
"Our government understands the unique challenges municipalities face," Thibeault said at Tom Davies Square.
"That is exactly why the premier has put me at the cabinet table, to ensure that our voices are heard right in Queen's Park ... We've heard loud and clear from municipalities that they need predictable, stable funding."
He said the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will be increased from $100 million a year to $300 million by 2018-2019.
Of that amount, $200 million will be given out in formula-based funding, which is where the $19.5 million will come from. The remaining $100 million will be given to cities based on applications for specific projects
"This will allow municipalities, both large and small, to receive the investments they need to revitalize and build critical infrastructure projects," Thibeault said.
"That's consistent funding that will allow the city to invest in our roads, our bridges, wastewater facilities -- whatever they choose.
"Sudbury will have the option to bank their formula-based funding, allowing them more flexibility to create long-term plans and carry out larger infrastructure projects."
Northeastern Ontario is getting more than $58 million over the next three years for 116 municipalities.
"It's a very exciting day for the City of Greater Sudbury," said Mayor Brian Bigger.
The city has more than 3,700 kilometres of roads, Bigger said, as well as a large and well-publicized deficit in maintaining those roads. And the funding will help in other areas, as well.
"It's also what's underneath our roads, and we need to invest in those assets, as well," Bigger said. "Things like storm water management systems, water mains and wastewater pipes.
"Investments like these in our community creates jobs and stimulate our local economy. We're very thankful that they provide critical investments allowing us to grow and flourish."
It's too early to say where the money will be spent, Bigger said, but city staff is in the midst of preparing for next year's city budget.
"I know we'll be looking at our capital budgets very closely and determining where the best places are to invest in our infrastructure," he said.
When asked whether the money will be used for projects such as Lorne Street and MR35, Bigger said it's too soon to say. But they are hoping to get project-specific support from the $100-million fund.
"There are a number of opportunities for us to make applications through different venues,” he said. "(But) we have a significant focus on the quality of our roads and also on our water/wastewater systems. Stormwater management is also important to the quality of lake water in our community. So I can see significant investments in those directions.
"A significant part of the $19.5 million is new, additional funds that will help us reduce our infrastructure funding gap and investing in key infrastructure projects."
