Ontario's rural affairs minister, Lisa Thompson, was in Sudbury Jan. 6 to announce the City of Greater Sudbury is receiving $2.7 million in additional funding from Queen's Park through the (OMPF).
She said this brings the total Queen's Park contribution to roughly $24 million to the municipality for the coming year.
"And this is great news, because we feel that in order to support growth and support the priorities for Sudbury and area, this is an important investment, and we look forward to growing together as a province, as a city and area, so that we continue to demonstrate no matter where you choose to call home in Ontario, it's a great place to raise a family, to grow a business," said Thompson.
Thompson said Greater Sudbury is like many other municipalities because of its large size, as it has many rural wards, and it is important to recognize the needs of those communities.
Sudbury collectively represents the change happening in many Northern and rural communities, she added.
"Collectively, we're proud to call Northern and rural Ontario home, and we feel that there's a new profile that's growing and transitioning across diverse communities, and with new people moving in, new businesses, taking a look at where they can call home, I'm telling you with a sincere heart that opportunities are growing right across this province," said the minister.
"We're letting people know that Ontario is indeed a place where we can raise a family, grow a business, and most importantly, be very, very proud to call it home," Thompson added.
She said the message from the additional funding is that Northern Ontario is a priority for the Doug Ford government.
"I think the message that we want to share is that Northern Ontario matters," said Thompson. "And I particularly have a new ministry, the Ministry of Rural Affairs, that complements what's happening with Minister Rickford in his Northern economic file, and together with our other Northern ministers — Minister Pirie, mining; Minister Fedeli economic development; associate minister Holland in terms of forestry — we're all working together for the entire province to have confidence in growing forward," said Thompson.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre said the city was pleased to receive the additional funding
"This funding is about ensuring that we have the resources to maintain our roads through the long winters that we face here in Northern Ontario. We support our most vulnerable residents with services to rely on and enhance safety and quality of life in our neighbourhoods as well," said the mayor.
"So this type of funding certainly comes out at a critical time as we focus on our key priorities: certainly, building more homes, investing in our infrastructure, fostering economic growth, helping out the most vulnerable, and straightening the fabric of our community. So the additional investments through the OMPF will help us move forward responsibly, sustainably, unlocking our full potential, not just as a city, but as a vital region that drives opportunity, innovation and prosperity."
Lefebvre concluded the ceremony by thanking the minister for her visit to the city.
Len Gillis is a reporter for Sudbury.com.
