The Government of Ontario released its 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, on March 26. Good Roads has reviewed the budget documents and identified the key provisions most relevant to our members in municipal transportation and infrastructure. Below is a summary of what was announced.

New Infrastructure Investments

The budget includes several funding commitments with implications for Ontario municipalities:

• Northern Ontario Resource Development Support Fund: The province will provide $15 million in annual funding to support investments in core assets, including roads and bridges, in Northern Ontario communities. Good Roads welcomes this continued commitment to northern infrastructure.
• Ontario Transit Investment Fund: The budget includes a $15 million top-up over three years to this fund, providing support for transit in rural and northern communities. Good Roads is pleased with this investment and calls for this fund to be made permanent.
• Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund: A $300 million top-up over six years has been announced to repair, upgrade, or build new sports and recreation facilities. While not a roads and bridges program, many municipalities will find this funding relevant to their broader infrastructure priorities.

Other Provisions of Note

• Buy Ontario for Fleet and Capital Projects: The province confirmed that its Buy Ontario provisions related to light duty fleet vehicles and capital projects will take effect this spring. Members involved in fleet procurement or capital tendering should ensure their processes are aligned with these new requirements as implementation approaches.
• Northern Rideshare Pilot: The province is proposing a one-year pilot rideshare framework along the Northlander Passenger Train corridor, between Gravenhurst and Cochrane. The pilot would establish minimum requirements for rideshare operators, drivers, and vehicles serving communities along the corridor, as part of a broader effort to explore standardized rideshare guidelines across Ontario. Good Roads will monitor this initiative and its implications for rural and northern transportation planning.
• Pothole Prevention and Repair Program: The province has not renewed the $10 million municipal Pothole Prevention and Repair Program, which previously supported communities with populations under 10,000. Good Roads will continue to work with the province to support the road maintenance needs of smaller municipalities.

Stay Tuned

Good Roads will continue to analyze the 2026 Budget and report back to members as further details become available. If you have questions about how these provisions may affect your municipality, please contact us at info@goodroads.ca.