As part of Ontario’s plan to strengthen communities and deliver record municipal support, the provincial government is boosting the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $50 million, raising total funding to $600 million for 2026. The investment will assist 388 small, northern, and rural municipalities with essential services including transit, libraries, emergency response, and road upkeep.
Pembroke’s portion of the pot this year is roughly $1,764,000 and the Town of Petawawa will see an allocation of just over $141,000. Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais says the additional 50 million is welcome news to municipalities who really need the boost:
The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund plays an essential role in creating safe and strong rural communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through the OMPF, our government is helping to ensure that rural and remote northern communities will receive the funds necessary to address local priorities that will allow them to thrive and grow.”
Gervais notes that although Pembroke has consistently received a favourable sum from the Province, not all municipalities fare quite as well so he is thankful for the annual stipend:
It can be noted that the additional $50 million enhancement builds on the significant increases in support that the government is providing and represents a combined 20 per cent increase over the last two years. One of the main advantages of the OMPF is that the funds are relatively fluid and not necessarily earmarked for any specific project or purpose, explains Gervais:
Last year’s stipend for Pembroke was $1,612,000 which makes this years allocation a 9.4% increase, whereas, Petawawa sees a 20% decrease in funds this year from late year’s allocation of $176,800.
(Written By: Richard Evans)