Applications now open for two provincial programs

The province has opened applications for two different initiatives.  The first is to help Ontario farming sectors find new markets and the second is an infrastructure fund that will go toward renovations, upgrades and new construction of community, culture and recreational projects.

Agriculture and associated sectors are an important economic pillar in Peterborough City and County.

The Market Access Initiative
The Government of Canada and Government of Ontario are taking action to help Ontario food and agri-product exporters pursue new markets.

The Ontario government is accepting applications for the Market Access Initiative, a new cost-share funding initiative open to all Ontario food and agri-product exporters to assist them in accessing new markets. The Market Access Initiative will assist with diversification projects and is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership).

"Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we are investing in collaborative and innovative
solutions to industry challenges. The Government is committed to creating good jobs for our families by helping our farmers and processors in Ontario and across Canada to compete and succeed in markets at home and around the world," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

"The quality of Ontario's farm products has and always will be among the best in the world - and trade disputes don't change this. We're pleased to apply the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help expand markets for Ontario's agri-food industry and to support the sector in its efforts to innovate and be open for business," said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Partnership’s priority areas are:

• Economic development in the agri-food and agri-products sectors
• Environmental stewardship to enhance water quality and soil health
• Protection and assurance to reinforce the foundation for public trust in the sector through improved assurance systems in food safety and plant and animal health.

The Market Access Initiative will be delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
For more information or to access the program materials and applications forms,
visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/market_access.htm today, or call 1-877-424-1300.
The application intake will review applications as received and remain open until funding budgeted for the initiative is no longer available. 

Market Access Initiative Materials

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Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)
Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure and MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock announced that the province is now accepting funding applications for projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program's (ICIP) Community, Culture and Recreation (CCR) stream. The funding will go towards investing in community, culture and recreational projects that will help deliver vital services for communities, foster greater social inclusion and improve the quality of life for residents across the province.

"Community centres, cultural facilities and recreational infrastructure are exactly the types of investments that make a difference in the daily lives of people across Ontario," said Scott. "We are making the investments that matter to our communities."

This program is funded by the federal and provincial governments along with eligible partners such as municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit groups, and could unlock up to $320 million in provincial funding.

The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is a $30-billion, 10-year infrastructure program cost-shared between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33.33 per cent or about $10.2 billion spread across four streams:

1. Rural and Northern
2. Public Transit
3. Community, Culture and Recreation
4. Green

To date the province has nominated 350 projects to the federal government under the Rural and Northern and Public Transit streams.

The agreement between Ontario and Canada commits $407 million in federal funding to the
Community, Culture and Recreation stream. This could unlock up to $320 million in provincial funding and up to $275 million in other partner funding such as municipalities, non-profit groups or Indigenous communities.

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation guidelines and
application materials are available for eligible partners on the Transfer Payment Ontario website.

Transfer Payment Ontario