‘We will use that money wisely’: Ontario confirms $25M funding to Windsor

The Ontario government has given $25 million to the City of Windsor to help pay off certain costs, like public transit, library costs, and road work.

Ontario confirms $25 million in funding is coming to Windsor.

The City of Windsor will receive the money to “offset costs” for offering provincial services, according to Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.

“Windsor is receiving $25.3 million through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) in 2026 — nearly $1 million more than last year — giving the city a stronger foundation to plan smartly and keep up with a growing community,” is quoted in a news release.

“This investment helps deliver what residents expect every day: safer roads, reliable transit, strong emergency services, and well‑supported community spaces.”

Mayor Drew Dilkens says administration and council knew about the funding when they balanced the $317 million capital budget with a zero per cent tax increase for 2026.

The OMPF money doesn’t have to spent in any one specific place.

“It’s a lot of money that the City of Windsor gets, in fact, we’re near the top of the list,” Dilkens said in a news conference Wednesday. “We will use that money wisely.”

Dilkens said it will be spent libraries, public transit, roads and sewers.

The municipality of Chatham-Kent is also going to receive $23.2 million from the OMPF.

Windsor is receiving the third highest amount of money with Thunder Bay receiving $27.8 and Sudbury getting $27.5 million from OMPF.