Eastern Ontario communities are getting tens of millions of dollars in funding for various infrastructure projects that will help create jobs and stimulate the economy in parts of the region.

Federal Infrastructure Minister John Baird joined his provincial counterpart George Smitherman Friday to announce $1 billion in spending for Ontario communities with populations of less than 100,000 people.

"Today we are investing in the heart of Ontario and Canada," Baird said in a prepared statement.

"We are delivering results to Ontarians in these difficult economic times by building roads, bridges and water systems. These important investments will create jobs and help our economy now and for years to come."

Eastern Ontario is being infused with funding for various projects, including local road, airport and wastewater infrastructure.

"Strengthening Ontario's infrastructure backbone will boost the fiscal health of communities and improve the daily quality of life of residents across this province," said Smitherman.

Some of the projects include:

  • Belleville - Wastewater infrastructure
  • Brockville - Tourism infrastructure
  • Carleton Place - Wastewater infrastructure
  • Cornwall - Water infrastructure
  • Merrickville - Wastewater infrastructure
  • Pembroke - Local road infrastructure
  • Prescott and Russell - Local road infrastructure

The federal and provincial governments will cover up to two-thirds of the costs for eligible projects, while municipalities will foot the remaining part of the bill.

Smitherman says work on the projects will begin in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

"Our tomorrow is looking a little brighter," said Merrickville Mayor Doug Struthers, who lobbied for a new sewage treatment plant for several years before being rewarded with a $2.4-million commitment from both levels of government.

"The news today gives us plans to tell our staff to go through requests for proposals from those who build plants, and hopefully have shovels in the ground by summer of this year."

The new plant will curb environmental threats to the Rideau Canal -and create jobs - the main impetus behind the infrastructure announcements.

The Town of Hawkesbury received the largest allotment from Ottawa and Queen's Park: $24 million for wastewater infrastructure.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr