Apply now for Northern Ontario Resource Development Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund is a Government of Ontario funding program that helps municipalities in Northern Ontario address infrastructure pressures caused by resource development activities. The fund provides financial support for capital infrastructure projects that mitigate the impacts of resource-sector operations, strengthen municipal infrastructure, and create opportunities for future resource-related growth.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the program will provide $15 million annually over five years to eligible municipalities across Northern Ontario.

About the Program

The NORDS Fund was established to ensure that municipalities sharing in the economic benefits of resource development also receive support to manage the infrastructure demands created by those activities.

The programme focuses on:

• Municipal infrastructure improvement
• Resource development impact mitigation
• Infrastructure capacity enhancement
• Economic development support
• Resource-sector growth opportunities
• Community infrastructure resilience
• Long-term municipal planning
• Sustainable regional development

Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to resource development activities or opportunities.

Program Objectives

The fund aims to:

• Offset infrastructure impacts caused by resource industries
• Support municipalities experiencing increased infrastructure demand
• Improve community readiness for resource-sector growth
• Strengthen local infrastructure capacity
• Enable future resource development opportunities
• Support economic growth in Northern Ontario
• Enhance transportation and community infrastructure
• Improve municipal resilience and sustainability

The programme is designed to balance resource-sector growth with community infrastructure needs.

Funding Information

Key funding details include:

• Total program funding: $15 million annually
• Funding period: Five years
• Program launch: 2026–2027 fiscal year
• Funding coverage: Up to 100% of eligible capital costs
• Maximum municipal allocation: $400,000 per year

Funding allocations are determined based on:

• Municipal size
• Infrastructure needs
• Municipal capacity considerations

Smaller municipalities may receive proportionally higher allocations to recognize capacity limitations.

Eligible Applicants

The programme is open to all 144 municipalities located within the Northern Ontario territorial districts of:

• Algoma
• Cochrane
• Kenora
• Manitoulin
• Nipissing
• Parry Sound
• Rainy River
• Sudbury
• Thunder Bay
• Timiskaming

Municipalities must demonstrate how proposed projects are linked to resource development impacts or opportunities.

Eligible Projects

Funding may support:

• Repairs to existing infrastructure affected by resource industry use
• Infrastructure upgrades related to resource development
• Replacement of infrastructure assets
• Construction of new infrastructure that mitigates industry impacts
• Infrastructure projects supporting future resource-sector activity
• Projects that attract resource-sector investment
• Improvements that increase infrastructure capacity

Municipalities may submit multiple projects during a funding year provided they remain within their annual and overall funding allocations.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may cover:

• Construction costs
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Infrastructure replacement
• Infrastructure improvements
• Capital expenditures directly related to approved projects

Expenses incurred on or after April 1, 2026, are eligible under the programme.

Ineligible Projects and Expenses

The following are not eligible:

• Projects without a demonstrated connection to resource development
• Operating expenses
• Rolling stock
• Stand-alone studies
• Movable equipment
• Legal fees
• Taxes
• Costs related to applying for other funding programmes

Applicants should ensure that proposed projects focus on eligible capital infrastructure activities.

Project Requirements

Municipalities must demonstrate:

• A clear link to resource development impacts or opportunities
• The need for the proposed infrastructure investment
• How the project will mitigate resource-related pressures
• Expected community and economic benefits
• Long-term infrastructure value
• Readiness for implementation

Projects should align with the programme’s goal of supporting municipalities affected by resource-sector activity.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to contribute to:

• Improved municipal infrastructure
• Reduced impacts from resource industry operations
• Increased infrastructure capacity
• Enhanced economic development opportunities
• Better support for future resource-sector growth
• Stronger and more resilient communities
• Sustainable regional development
• Improved quality of municipal services

Projects should deliver measurable benefits to both communities and the resource economy.

Why This Program Matters

Resource development plays a major role in Northern Ontario’s economy, but it can also place significant pressure on local infrastructure. Roads, public facilities, and other municipal assets often experience increased demand due to industrial activities.

The NORDS Fund helps municipalities address these challenges by providing dedicated infrastructure funding that supports economic growth while protecting and strengthening community assets. The programme ensures that municipalities are better equipped to manage the impacts and opportunities associated with resource-sector development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NORDS Fund?

• The Northern Ontario Resource Development Support Fund provides infrastructure funding to municipalities affected by resource development activities.

How much funding is available?

• The Ontario Government has committed $15 million annually over five years beginning in 2026–2027.

Who can apply?

• All 144 municipalities located within the eligible Northern Ontario territorial districts.

What is the maximum funding a municipality can receive?

• No municipality may receive more than $400,000 in a single program year.

Can funding cover the entire project cost?

• Yes. Funding may cover up to 100% of eligible capital expenses.

What types of projects are eligible?

• Infrastructure repairs, upgrades, replacements, and new construction related to resource development impacts or opportunities.

What expenses are not eligible?

• Operating costs, rolling stock, movable equipment, legal fees, taxes, stand-alone studies, and projects unrelated to resource development.

Conclusion

The Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund provides significant infrastructure funding to municipalities affected by resource-sector activities across Northern Ontario. With $15 million available annually over five years and funding covering up to 100% of eligible capital costs, the programme helps communities strengthen infrastructure, mitigate resource development impacts, and position themselves for future economic growth and investment opportunities.

For more information, visit Ontario.