This framework applies to infrastructure initiatives undertaken by:
• Ontario government ministries and agencies; and
• municipalities, broader public-sector partners and public agencies where the province has a material financial interest.
Even where there is no material provincial financial interest, the government strongly encourages municipalities and all other public-sector partners to adopt the guidelines contained in this framework to facilitate their infrastructure planning, financing and procurement activities.
The framework provides guidance for traditional and alternative financing and procurement models, recognizing that the appropriate model for procuring public assets must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The government understands that there is no one right model for building and renewing Ontario's public infrastructure assets.
Public-sector institutions are encouraged to be innovative and creative in delivering public infrastructure initiatives that focus on providing outstanding public services and choosing the approach that meets the test set out by the Guiding Principles for Planning, Financing and Procuring Public Infrastructure outlined above.
PIR and line ministries will evaluate every infrastructure proposal brought forward by a broader public-sector partner based on the proposal's compliance with the framework, the guiding principles outlined above, and the legislative and regulatory framework governing the proponent.