Open
Source verified August 28, 2026
Connecting Links Program 2027-28
Provincial road and bridge support for municipalities
Funding available
$ 7,000,000
Deadline
November 12, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Connecting Links Program 2027-28 provides up to 90% provincial funding for Ontario municipalities with designated connecting links to deliver road and bridge projects on designated connecting link highways. It supports capital improvements that strengthen the safe and efficient movement of provincial traffic across communities. Eligible work includes design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement, such as road resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation and drainage-related improvements.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 7,000,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of connecting link infrastructure
- Detailed design and engineering studies
- Road works, including resurfacing, reconstruction and widening caused by general traffic growth
- Bridge, culvert and grade separation projects
- Drainage, stormwater management and traffic control device projects
Documents Needed
- Project application form
- Council resolution
- Recently completed and publicly posted Asset Management Plan
- Municipal Structure Inspection reports and connecting link road and structure inventory data
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- All 77 Ontario municipalities with designated Connecting Links
Eligible expenses
- Environmental Assessment costs
- Design and engineering costs
- Project management and contract administration costs
- Materials and construction
- Restoring or replacing disturbed items to functional working condition, such as curbs, sidewalks, property entrances and temporary fencing
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Maintenance costs, including winter maintenance
- Costs incurred before project approval or after the committed project completion date
- Land acquisition
- Leasing land, equipment, buildings and other facilities
- Financing charges and legal fees
Eligible geographic areas
- All 77 Ontario municipalities with designated Connecting Links
Selection criteria
- Project criticality and urgency based on connecting link deficiencies, renewal needs and 10-year risk assessment
- Cost-effectiveness and suitability of the project to address the stated connecting link need
- Appropriateness of the proposed activities and costs under the program
- Strength of supporting documentation, including asset management plans, inspection reports, project proposals and engineering studies
- Potential coordination with adjacent or concurrent provincial highway projects
How to apply
- Follow the steps listed on the Ontario funding page to access the Transfer Payment Ontario portal.
- Submit the connecting link application through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- Complete the project application form.
- Submit the required council resolution with the application.
Processing and Agreement
- The ministry reviews all submissions and notifies both successful and unsuccessful applicants after funding decisions are made.
- Successful applicants receive a Minister letter and a Contribution Agreement.
- The Contribution Agreement must be executed before payments can be made.
- Milestone payments are made after the ministry accepts the Milestone Report.
- Applicants must advise the ministry in writing or email of any proposed variation from the approved project scope, costs or completion date before implementation.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Connecting Links Program 2027-28 Program
What is the Connecting Links Program 2027-28?
The Connecting Links Program 2027-28 provides up to 90% provincial funding for Ontario municipalities with designated connecting links to deliver road and bridge projects on designated connecting link highways. It supports capital improvements that strengthen the safe and efficient movement of provincial traffic across communities. Eligible work includes design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement, such as road resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation and drainage-related improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Connecting Links Program 2027-28 Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $7,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is November 12, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Connecting Links Program 2027-28 program?
To be eligible for the Connecting Links Program 2027-28 program, you must:
Only municipalities with designated Connecting Links are eligible.
A municipality with one designated Connecting Link may submit one project per year.
A municipality with more than one designated Connecting Link may submit a maximum of two projects per year.
What expenses are eligible under Connecting Links Program 2027-28?
Design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of connecting link infrastructure
Detailed design and engineering studies
Road works, including resurfacing, reconstruction and widening caused by general traffic growth
Bridge, culvert and grade separation projects
Drainage, stormwater management and traffic control device projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Connecting Links Program 2027-28?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MOI) by email at CLProgram@ontario.ca or by phone at 289-241-8354.
Where is the Connecting Links Program 2027-28 available?
The Connecting Links Program 2027-28 program is available the province of Ontario.