Image of Sault Ste. Marie courtesy of Destination Ontario

MHIP Non-DC Stream, AMO Responds to new Tariffs, Provincial Rideshare Consultation, Support for Ontario’s Forestry Sector

Policy Update • August 28, 2026

Top Insights:

Municipalities that do not levy development charges will be able to apply to a new $1 billion infrastructure funding stream for projects that preserve or grow housing supply.
AMO has written to Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford to express support for their leadership responding to the challenging trade environment, and outlining the importance of municipalities in supporting our economy.
MTO is consulting on proposed enhancements and the expansion of the Provincial Rideshare Framework to all municipalities.
AMO has written to the province in support of efforts to protect and grow Ontario’s forestry industry, recognizing that the sector supports jobs and housing construction.

Infrastructure Funding for Non-Development Charges Levying Municipalities

The governments of Ontario and Canada announced $1 billion in infrastructure funding for municipalities that do not levy development charges at the AMO conference. The funding supports the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of infrastructure that preserves or grows housing supply, including roads, bridges, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater assets. The maximum total eligible costs for a project is $20 million. AMO welcomes this new Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program funding stream (Non-DC Stream) as we continue to advocate for long-term, predictable and sustainable infrastructure funding for the sector.

Applications for the program will open on October 29 and close on December 2, 2026. Additional intakes under the Non-DC Stream will be available in the future. Program guidelines and FAQs are now available online. Questions about the program can be directed to mhip@ontario.ca.

To support the sector with their applications, AMO will jointly host two webinars with the Ministry of Infrastructure for municipal CAOs and treasurers. The first webinar is scheduled for September 16 before the program launches, with a second webinar taking place in November before the application window closes. Registration information will be shared shortly.

Building Canada Strong Through Economic Uncertainty

AMO has written to Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford to express support for their leadership in responding to an increasingly uncertain and challenging trade environment and to outline the importance of municipalities in supporting Canada’s economy. As a sector, municipalities invest $68 billion annually in the infrastructure and services our communities rely on. They know the importance of building strong, resilient communities that can adapt to changing economic conditions.

AMO and its members are prepared to work with the province and federal government to build a stronger, more competitive, and more prosperous future.

Provincial Rideshare Framework Consultations

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is exploring future enhancements and expansion of the Provincial Rideshare Framework currently in effect along the Northlander train corridor. Under this expansion, the province would upload the regulation of rideshare services across Ontario. MTO is seeking municipal feedback on its proposal with a survey open until September 30 and invites municipalities to register for a municipal consultation session.

AMO has called for clarity on how the province will provide oversight and enforcement of rideshare services, and to coordinate with municipalities to ensure the framework does not undermine the viability of existing transportation options like public transit and local taxi businesses in favour of US-based rideshare companies.

AMO Supports Provincial Action to Protect Ontario’s Forestry Sector

AMO has written to the province in support of efforts to protect Ontario’s forestry sector from challenges caused by trade uncertainty and tariffs on key exports like softwood lumber. Municipalities recognize that the forestry sector contributes to our economy by creating jobs across the province, while supporting manufacturing and housing construction. We encourage the province to continue working closely with municipalities on the important work of protecting and growing Ontario’s economic potential.