MPP Clark Announces Funding to Support Critical Water Infrastructure to Help Build More Homes in South Grenville

Brockville – Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced today that the Ontario government is investing $23,928,200 in critical water infrastructure to help build up to 2,900 new homes in the Town of Prescott, Augusta Township and the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

The funding is being delivered to the three municipalities through the second intake of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes a total of $325 million to help municipalities build, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure across Ontario.

“It’s great to see these three municipalities working in collaboration to secure this significant infrastructure investment from our government. This funding will support the construction of new homes and help foster future economic growth that will bring new families and prosperity to Leeds and Grenville,” said MPP Clark. “This was a highly competitive program and I’m proud to have supported this strong and successful application by Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal. It’s a transformative project for our entire region.”

“Many thanks to provincial leaders, MPP Steve Clark and Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma for supporting our tri-council application to provide water and wastewater to more than 2,500 new homes in Augusta Township. This will strengthen our collaborative efforts with our neighbouring municipalities for the benefit of all our residents in South Grenville,” said Gauri Shankar, Mayor of the Town of Prescott.

“This infrastructure project represents a critical investment in the future of Augusta Township and the surrounding regions. By unlocking significant land potential, it will enable the development of much-needed housing, helping to meet the growing population demands. The project’s timely approval and funding will position Augusta Township as a hub for sustainable growth and a model for regional collaboration. Special thanks to our municipal partners and our local MPP Steve Clark,” Jeff Shaver, Mayor of Augusta Township.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Ford Government through the HEWSF grant, which has made this essential water and sewer project possible. This $24-million investment is not just a commitment to infrastructure but to the health, well-being, and future prosperity of our community.  It shows what we can accomplish when we work together. Thank you to MPP Steve Clark for his ability to deliver for our residents once again,” Tory Deschamps, Mayor of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

The communities will use the funding to enable the development of much-needed new housing, helping to meet growing demand. In addition, it unlocks the potential for new economic growth and positions the three municipalities to continue working together to secure investment.

“Having a strong infrastructure foundation with connections to water systems is the first step in delivering the housing Ontario needs,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our government is making targeted investments through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to safeguard growing communities and ensure families and residents have access to safe and reliable water services.”

Through the second intake of HEWSF, the government is supporting 23 water infrastructure projects across Ontario. In total, Ontario is investing nearly $1.3 billion, through the first and second intakes of HEWSF, to support 77 water infrastructure projects that will help municipalities build approximately 600,000 new homes.

Through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program and the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, Ontario is providing nearly $2 billion to support housing and community-enabling infrastructure and build more homes across the province.

QUICK FACTS:

• The Ontario government is investing $700 million through the first and second intakes of HEWSF to help build 160,000 new homes in 54 small, rural and Northern municipalities.
• Ontario is also investing $175 million through the new Health and Safety Water Stream, under the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, to help municipalities and First Nations build, repair and expand the capacity of aging water, flood and erosion infrastructure. Funding applications will open on February 12, 2025.
• Ontario is also investing $400 million through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream, under the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, to fund 58 projects across 60 municipalities. These projects will help enable up to 160,000 new homes and ensure these growing communities are connected to reliable roadways.
• Combined with the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, the government is providing $2 billion to support housing- and community-enabling infrastructure and build more homes across the province.
• The new Housing-Enabling Water Infrastructure lending stream under Infrastructure Ontario’s Loan Program is providing up to $1 billion in loans to support municipalities with water infrastructure projects that will enable the construction of more homes.