Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced $700 million to help 127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure across the province. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which was increased to a total of $4 billion last year to support the province’s goal of getting more shovels in the ground and homes built across Ontario.
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities. Our investments will deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”
Across the Simcoe North region, the government is investing up to $78.4 million in HSWS funding to support five water system projects, including upgrades to Orillia’s Fittons Road West Sewage Pumping Station, which will help prevent sewage backups and support future growth.
Other HSWS projects in Simcoe North include $30 million for Ramara, $29.5 million for Tay Township, $11.5 million for Penetanguishene and $4.16 million for Tiny Township. This funding is in addition to more than $55 million previously provided to Simcoe North municipalities through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF).
Other recipients will be announced locally in the coming weeks.
The Housing-Enabling Water Infrastructure lending stream under Infrastructure Ontario’s Loan Program is providing up to $1 billion in loans to help municipalities build water infrastructure that supports the construction of more homes.
“The Township of Tiny is very grateful to the Ontario government for awarding $4.16 million in funding through MHIP’s Health and Safety Water Stream,” said Tiny Township Mayor David Evans. “This funding enables the replacement of a major watermain in the Lafontaine drinking water system, part of a complex series of 16 drinking water systems in the Township.
“This opportunity helps ease the financial burden of essential infrastructure upgrades for a rural municipality like Tiny, while continuing to protect the delivery of clean, safe drinking water for our community.”
Funding also supports the expansion of the Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant, a critical step in addressing current capacity limits and unlocking new housing opportunities. With the plant operating over capacity and development on hold, stalling more than 1,500 housing units.
