The Ontario government is investing $14,682,125 in critical water infrastructure to two projects that will help build up to 2,457 new homes in the Town of Parry Sound and the Municipality of McDougall.
The funding is being delivered 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.
“West Parry Sound is growing and the need for housing is critical to meet those needs,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith. “These two projects will help address some of those needs in McDougall and Parry Sound. I’m pleased to see our government investing in the West Parry Sound region so that it can reach it’s full potential.
The Town of Parry Sound will use $13,094,375 to make upgrades to Pumping Station #2 that will help unlock 2,441 housing units. This project will increase housing supply and support economic growth in the Parry Sound harbour area.
“The Council and Staff of the Town of Parry Sound are very pleased that the province has provided funding towards the development of the new wastewater pumping facility. This project will allow further housing growth, create jobs and redevelop brownfield lands. Thank you to our MPP, Graydon Smith, Minister Surma and the Provincial Government for their awesome support in helping to support housing growth in our community.”
The Municipality of McDougall will use $1,587,750 to replace an aging septic system that will unlock 16 housing units. This project will increase housing supply and support economic growth in the Crawford Subdivision.
“This funding announcement of $1,587,00 for the Crawford Subdivision Septic System in Nobel is very welcome news since this is a communal system that is nearing the end of it’s lifespan and has to be financed by the residents of that subdivision. There will still be a financial burden on those residents and we continue to seek out opportunities to lighten the load further”
“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 the province. 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.