Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is providing more than $14 million in water infrastructure upgrades in Lanark and Frontenac counties, funding projects aimed at improving water reliability, protecting homes and supporting future housing growth in Eastern Ontario.
Funding is awarded through the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), part of Ontario’s broader $875-million investment in municipal water infrastructure.
“Across Ontario, our government is investing in our $236 billion plan to build so we can protect Ontario, keep workers on the job and connect families to the world-class services they rely on,” Premier Doug Ford said in a statement. “Today’s investment will protect homeowners and support the construction of new homes across Lanark and Frontenac counties.”
The largest portion of the funding will go to the Town of Smiths Falls in Lanark County, which will receive $13.3 million for a trunk watermain upgrade and sewer separation project. The work is expected to improve water system reliability and service for approximately 1,380 existing homes.
The Township of North Frontenac in Frontenac County will receive just over $1 million to rehabilitate, repair and expand the stormwater management system in the Village of Plevna. The project is intended to improve stormwater resilience and protect 35 homes.
“Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are supporting municipalities and First Nations with the funding they need to expand and improve aging water systems, unlock more housing and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario,” said Acting Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy.
Ontario first announced $175 million for the MHIP-HSWS program in January 2025. An additional $700 million announced in January 2026 brought the total investment in the stream to $875 million.
“By replacing 1.9 kilometres of aged and undersized water infrastructure, we are securing vital water capacity for every home and business in town and adequate hydraulic pressure for our fire suppression needs,” said Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow. “This project will also secure additional wastewater capacity for our growing community by diverting storm water from the Wastewater Treatment Plant through the separation of sewers.”
