As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing $531,187 to help the township of Madawaska Valley resurface Opeongo Line. The funding is being delivered through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program, which helps maintain vital roads and bridges, keeping workers on the job, supporting the movement of goods and driving economic growth in rural and northern communities. Above: MPP Billy Denault with Madawaska Valley Council. From left: Councillors Shelley Maika and Mary Blank, Mayor David Shulist, MPP Billy Denault, Councillors Joe Cybulski and Linda Neuman. (Photo submitted)
“With such a competitive program, it is always encouraging to see this funding secured here at home in the Ottawa Valley. Out of 20 municipalities and 21 projects across the province, the Township of Madawaska Valley’s application was successful right here in the riding of Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke — a testament to the strength of its staff and the leadership at the local level, as well as our commitment to help repair and rehabilitate critical infrastructure that residents, businesses, and commuters rely on every day. By improving this connecting link, we are making travel safer and more reliable, while helping to keep goods and people moving efficiently through our community. Thank you to the Ontario government for this important investment, and congratulations to the Township of Madawaska Valley on this well-deserved success.”
— Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke
“We are very grateful for this grant funding from the province, that will improve the safety and vitality of this well-travelled corridor. This funding represents an important investment in our community and can allow us to continue to serve our residents, visitors, and those travelling through for years to come. Thank you to all those who made this possible.”
— David Shulist, Mayor of Madawaska Valley
A connecting link is a designated municipal road or bridge that connects two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to an international border crossing. This year, the Ontario government is investing $45 million in 21 projects to repair roads and bridges in 20 municipalities across the province.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in highway infrastructure to drive economic growth and protect Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By helping municipalities invest in critical road repairs, we’re improving connections across the province and building a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.”
Eligible costs for Connecting Links include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of designated municipal roads and bridges. Municipalities are encouraged to apply for 2027-28 Connecting Links program funding when the intake opens later this year.
Quick Facts
- The Connecting Links program provides funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible project costs. This includes a maximum of $5 million for road projects and $7 million for bridge projects.
- In Ontario, there are a total of 352 kilometres of connecting links, with 70 bridges in 77 municipalities.
Learn more at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/provincial-highway-infrastructure#section-3
Moreau,K.,Constituency Assistant MPP Billy Denault(2026,Feb.18) Ontario Investing $531,187 for Opeongo Line Resurfacing in Madawaska Valley – Province keeping workers on the job and supporting economic growth in rural and northern communities [media release]