St. Thomas, ON - Another important step was taken to renew infrastructure in Ontario and create jobs, with an announcement that Not-For-Profit organizations in Ontario interested in upgrading infrastructure can now apply for funding.

John Baird, Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, and George Smitherman, Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, invited Not-for-Profit organizations in Ontario to submit applications by August 18, 2009.

"Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is taking action to put shovels in the ground and create jobs in communities across Ontario," said Minister Baird. "Not-for-Profit organizations will now have the opportunity to get shovels in the ground and upgrade their local facilities."

"With this additional stimulus funding, Ontarians will benefit from stronger communities by enjoying enhanced services, facilities and places to celebrate our cultural identity," said Minister Smitherman. "Whether visiting a local museum, making use of employment counseling or taking advantage of an emergency shelter, this funding will improve quality of life for all Ontarians."

Canada's Economic Action Plan established a new national $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to provide funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Ontario's share is about $1.5 billion, which is then being matched by the Government of Ontario. This initiative is designed to flow funding quickly for shovel-ready projects - already more than $2 billion in funding has been committed in Ontario - that can be built during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.
 
“This is another step that our government has taken through Canada’s Economic Action Plan engaging our grassroots and volunteers and strengthening our  Not-For-Profit organizations” side Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London.

The Government of Canada will contribute towards Not-for-Profit sector assets up to one-third of eligible project costs, and in exceptional cases, up to one-half of eligible project costs. The funding is being matched by the Province of Ontario. Not-for-Profit organizations are responsible for securing the balance of eligible project costs.

Proponents will be required to attest that the projects would not have been built over the next two construction seasons without federal funding and provincial funding. Priority will be given to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, but new construction will be considered provided it can be fully completed by March 31, 2011. Eligible project categories include: temporary housing structures, community centres, community services and cultural infrastructure. For-profit projects in the categories of short-line rail and port/cruiseship infrastructure are also eligible for funding.

A program guide and short application form can be accessed at: www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. The deadline for applications is August 18, 2009.