The Ontario government has announced a major investment of $970 million through its House-Enabling Water Systems Fund, aimed at supporting 54 projects across 60 municipalities. This funding is designated for the development, repair, rehabilitation, and expansion of critical water infrastructure, including systems for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.
In response to high demand, the government will also allocate an additional $250 million for a second round of applications starting August 14, bringing the total fund to $1.2 billion.
Premier Doug Ford highlighted the significance of these investments, stating, “Our government’s historic investments in infrastructure are essential for addressing Ontario’s housing supply crisis and accelerating the construction of homes across the province.” He added that the announced funds will facilitate the creation of over half a million homes, including nearly 47,000 in Peel Region. “We remain committed to working with our municipal partners to make homeownership a reality for more families across Ontario,” Ford said.
A major recipient of this funding is the Regional Municipality of Peel, which will receive $35 million for the expansion of the G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility. This project will support the development of 46,784 housing units in Peel Region by extending water systems and adding new infrastructure, including an aeration tank and advanced filtering systems. Additional project announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, noted, “By investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities and connecting pipes to land, we are facilitating the construction of more homes. Homes can’t be built without access to essential water and wastewater services.”
This year’s provincial budget allocated over $1.8 billion for housing-enabling infrastructure, including $825 million through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and $1 billion via the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Following consultations with municipalities, $275 million from the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program has been reallocated to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to address urgent needs. Additionally, $120 million from the Building Faster Fund for small, rural, and northern communities will be redirected to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
Ontario’s industry and municipal associations have expressed strong support for these initiatives.
