Infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving economy and a high quality of life. From housing and transportation to energy systems and long-term care homes, smart investments today help ensure a thriving, future-ready Ontario for generations to come.
As Ontario’s population grows – from 16.1 million in 2024 to a projected 21.7 million by 2046 – the demand for modern, reliable infrastructure is accelerating. Aging assets need renewal. Essential services need expansion. And communities need support to grow sustainably.
The Building Ontario Fund is financing transformative, revenue generating projects in the following priority areas:
Expanding long-term care (LTC) homes is essential for supporting the aging population and alleviating pressure on healthcare systems. Ontario needs 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds by 2028 to accommodate for growing demand. Despite new provincial investments, the existing backlog of more than 39,000 people on waitlists for LTC homes remains a critical gap.
Improving transportation systems will alleviate congestion and boost productivity. Traffic congestion in urban centers like the Greater Toronto Area costs the Ontario economy an estimated $11 billion annually in lost productivity. Without significant investment in transit infrastructure, this cost is expected to rise. To address both growing demand and sustainability concerns, Ontario must continue to invest in expanding public transit.
Upgrading energy infrastructure is crucial for meeting the demands of a growing economy and population, while promoting sustainability. Ontario’s population is growing rapidly, leading to an increased demand for energy. The Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts that Ontario’s annual energy demand will grow from 154 TWh in 2025 to 245 TWh by 2050, driven by population growth, urbanization, industrial needs, expanding technology needs, and electric vehicle adoption.
The housing crisis must be tackled to ensure housing security for residents, as well as to foster economic stability. Ontario needs 1.5 million new homes by 2031, with affordable housing representing a critical portion of this. Currently, approximately 239,000 households are relying on affordable housing, and this number is growing as rental costs continue to outpace income growth.
Addressing the municipal infrastructure backlog is necessary for maintaining essential services for Ontarians. Ontario’s municipalities face a significant infrastructure deficit, with an estimated municipal infrastructure backlog of about $52 billion, including water systems, municipal roads, building and facilities, and bridges and culverts.
Critical minerals are at the core of Ontario’s efforts to build an economy that is competitive, resilient and self-reliant. Critical and rare-earth metals are essential to the next generation of technology, including battery storage and EVs. Investments in related infrastructure will ensure that jobs connected to extracting and processing minerals mined in Ontario will stay in Ontario
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