The Connecting Links Program, launched in 2015, plays a vital role in supporting municipalities across Ontario by funding the maintenance, rehabilitation, and enhancement of roadways and bridges that connect provincial highways with the municipal roadway system. Despite its importance, the program has not been comprehensively reviewed since its inception. Over the years, the landscape of provincial transfer payments has evolved, and municipalities are facing increased financial pressures due to rising costs. Consequently, the current design of the Connecting Links Program may no longer adequately reflect the needs and challenges faced by municipalities today. Some municipalities have requested an update to the Program in view of challenges they faced.
In response to these challenges, the Minister has committed to a review of the Connecting Links Program, with the intent to ensure that it continues to meet its goals effectively and aligns with contemporary provincial funding strategies. A first step in this review is a survey aimed at gathering input directly from municipalities participating in the program. The survey will serve as a critical tool in finding areas for improvement and understanding the unique challenges municipalities face in managing their connecting link infrastructure.
Objectives of the Survey:
Questionnaire input will be used to provide recommendations and implement improvements to the program.
This is a data collection exercise being conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
MTO is solely responsible for the contents of this questionnaire. The response from your municipality is voluntary and your feedback and further engagement will help the Ministry develop policy and prepare any program changes.
Please provide relevant responses and refrain from including any sensitive information of any kind, and any confidential or proprietary information.
MTO reserves the right to terminate or withdraw the questionnaire, and your opportunity to participate in this questionnaire, at any time and for any reason. MTO alone has the right to view and use the results and may choose at its sole discretion not to disclose the results from the questionnaire.
Any information obtained from the municipality will be processed, stored, and used to inform potential future recommendations. If you have any questions, please contact SystemPlanningBranch@ontario.ca
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