ROMA Policy Update: Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build Funding, Farmland Protection, Drainage Consultations, Water/Wastewater Expression of Interest, & CRTC Update

Several funding opportunities are available to help rural municipalities invest in infrastructure, support agricultural priorities, and expand digital connectivity. The province is also seeking input on several initiatives providing communities the opportunity to share the rural perspective.

At a Glance:

• Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build. The province announced dedicated infrastructure funding for rural, small and northern municipalities. Funding amount and program details to follow.
• Farmland Protection. New legislation restricts foreign acquisition.
• Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program. The province will consult with municipalities on potential improvements to this program, which provides grants to landowners for municipal drainage costs.
• Water/Wastewater Expression of Interest Now Open. Public corporation models can be a valuable organizational and governance tool, especially for small and rural communities. You can register your interest to the province by August 13.
• CRTC Broadband Funding Wave 4: The CRTC is now accepting applications for Wave 4 of its Broadband Fund, supporting projects that expand high-speed internet in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Submit your application by August 13.

Take a moment to review the updates below highlighting key funding announcements, application deadlines, and opportunities to provide municipal input.

Farmland Protection & Drainage Program Consultations

Farmland in rural Ontario is a finite and vital resource that supports local economies, food systems, and jobs across the province.

The province has committed to consulting municipalities on proposed changes to farmland protection legislation and agricultural drainage programming.

1. Farmland Security Act, 2026: proposed legislation to restrict foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland 

ROMA has expressed support for the province’s proposed legislation to strengthen farmland protections, including restrictions on foreign acquisition. Protecting agricultural land remains essential to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of rural communities. 

The Standing Committee is holding public hearings across several Ontario communities during July and August 2026. We encourage interested municipalities to apply to speak at the hearings. For those who do not wish to speak, may submit a written comment by 5 pm EDT on Friday, August 14, 2026.

What’s next:

• Interested municipalities are encouraged to apply to speak at the hearings or submit their comments to the Standing Committee

2. Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Grant Program

Alongside farmland protection, the province has committed to consulting on potential improvements to the Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program, which provides grants that help offset costs associated with municipal drainage infrastructure.

These consultations present a key opportunity for ROMA members to influence how this program evolves to support better agricultural productivity and reduce long-term costs. 

What’s next:

• ROMA will be preparing a submission to the province. Stay tuned for additional information and opportunities to provide input.

Water/Wastewater Expression of Interest Now Open

The province has issued an open call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for municipalities to explore a water and wastewater public corporation model (also called municipal service corporations).

Please consider registering your interest! AMO and LAS have undertaken analysis demonstrating similar models can be a valuable organizational and governance tool for small municipalities lacking the tax base to support costly renewals and expansion.

If the deadline is challenging due to municipal elections, we recommend municipal staff submit a preliminary response and request the opportunity to engage with new council to finalize the official position.

What’s next: 

• Submit your expression of interest by August 13.

CRTC Broadband Fund: Wave 4 Now Open

Reliable internet and cellular connectivity are essential to economic development, health care access, and quality of life in rural communities. 

The CRTC is now accepting applications for Wave 4 of its Broadband Fund, supporting projects that expand high-speed internet in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

This is a major opportunity for municipalities to advance local connectivity projects, strengthen community infrastructure and close service gaps. Municipally owned providers and municipal partnerships with telecoms carriers are eligible for funding.

What’s next: 
•    Submit your application before August 13 

Broadband and digital connectivity have been a big focus of ROMA’s advocacy work this year, which is why ROMA has a page and resources dedicated to Rural Connectivity.