Goderich to receive over $2 million in provincial government funding to address local priorities

Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet speaks in the Town of Goderich Council Chambers during the recent announcement on the OMPF funding the municipality will receive in 2026. Mayor Bazinet joined MPP Lisa Thompson (right) and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Dave Smith (left).

Funding from the provincial government will support 388 small, northern and rural municipalities by providing critical services from public transit and libraries to emergency services and road maintenance.

Goderich is one of the municipalities to benefit from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) with $2,072,300 allocated for 2026.

Funding from the OMPF will ensure the provincial government continues to do its part while keeping costs down for municipal taxpayers.

“Through the OMPF, our government is helping ensure that rural and northern communities will receive the funds necessary to address local priorities that will allow them to thrive and grow,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs and MPP for Huron-Bruce.

“This investment will have a meaningful impact locally across Huron-Bruce, in support of municipalities as they build for a sustainable future.”

Additionally, Huron County has been allocated $443,520 from the same grant.

In a recent announcement, the province explained that the OMPF would be increased by $50 million, bringing the total funding to $600 million for 2026 targeted at municipalities with limited property tax bases.

This funding is designed to assist municipalities adjust to year-over-year funding changes. The OMPF is the province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities.

“As we continue to protect Ontario and build our province, we will ensure municipalities have the tools they need to continue delivering critical local services to people and families in every corner of the province,” explained Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

According to MPP Thompson, the increase of funding was realised through the input generated through municipal consultations hosted across Ontario earlier this year.

The announcement made on October 31 demonstrates that the provincial government heard municipalities’ appeal that they need more support to meet financial challenges, while delivering services to their communities.

“This significant increase in the OMPF will greatly benefit the Town of Goderich,” said Trevor Bazinet, Mayor of Goderich in a statement on October 31.

“The OMPF funding provides substantial support for the Town’s daily operations and has a direct impact on the affordability of the critical services the Town of Goderich provides for our residents, addressing local priorities, and enabling investment in infrastructure.”

Enhancing the OMPF helps build on the support the government is providing municipalities, including an additional $1.6 billion investment through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP).

“During consultations with municipalities over this past summer, the government heard perspectives and advice on municipal priorities for the program,” added Minister Bethlenfalvy.

“I look forward to our continued collaboration in building a stronger future for our province.”

The OMPF is designed to support municipalities with limited property tax bases, ensuring they can deliver critical services and manage fiscal challenges.

The OMPF helps cover a range of essential services such as public transit, libraries, emergency services and road maintenance.

Additionally, between 2019 and 2024, the provincial government’s support for municipalities has grown by more than 45 per cent.

Last year, over $10 billion in funding was provided through programs such as the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, the Homelessness Prevention Program and the Gas Tax program.