As part of it’s plan to continue to build and protect Ontario, the government is investing $3,000,000 to help the Town of Saugeen Shores resurface Albert Street, Railway Street and North Rankin Street (Highway 21) from South Street to Craig Street in Southampton, and an additional $1,350,000 to support improvements at the Highway 21 and Turner Street intersection.
The funding is being delivered through the 2025-26 Connecting Links program, which helps maintain vital roads and bridges that connect people to good jobs, support the movement of goods and drive economic growth in rural and northern communities.
“Supporting critical infrastructure projects like this is key to building stronger, safer communities,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “The road resurfacing and intersection improvements in Saugeen Shores will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and help position the community for continued growth. These improvements reflect our government’s commitment to investing in the long-term success of rural and small-town Ontario.”
A connecting link is a designated municipal road or bridge that connects two ends of a provincial highway through a community, or to an international border crossing. This year, the Ontario government is investing $45 million in 29 projects to repair roads and bridges in 27 municipalities across the province.
“Over the next decade, our government is investing nearly $28 billion into highway infrastructure that will support our growing population and fuel our economy as we fight back against U.S. tariffs,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “We will continue to protect Ontario by supporting our municipal partners and delivering on our promise to make our province more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant.”
Eligible costs for Connecting Links include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of designated municipal roads and bridges. Municipalities are encouraged to apply for 2026-27 Connecting Links program funding when the intake opens later this year.
The Connecting Links program provides funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible project costs. This includes a maximum of $3 million for road projects and $5 million for bridge projects. In Ontario, there are a total of 352 kilometres of connecting links, with 70 bridges in 77 municipalities.
“We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for this vital investment in Saugeen Shores,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “These 2026 projects will bring safety and traffic flow improvements to residents, businesses and visitors alike. This funding supports our commitment to building a resilient, connected community and ensures our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of a growing population.”
