Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is spending up to $18.3 million to support the construction of nearly 4,000 new homes in Prince Edward County. This funding is part of the first round of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which allocates $970 million to help municipalities upgrade essential water infrastructure to facilitate new housing projects.
“The $18.3 million investment addresses infrastructure needs and facilitates the construction of nearly 4,000 new homes,” said Scott Andison, CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA).
Funding will go to building the new Wellington Regional Water Treatment Plant, which will replace existing facilities in Wellington and Picton. This new plant is expected to support the county’s growing population, expand housing opportunities, and drive economic growth.
To meet the high demand for water and wastewater infrastructure, the province is adding $250 million to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, increasing the total to $1.2 billion. The second round of funding applications is now open, with $120 million set aside for small, rural, and northern municipalities.
Ontario’s budget also includes over $1.8 billion for housing-enabling infrastructure through various programs, including the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
“We commend the government’s investment, which will enable the construction of nearly 4,000 new homes in Prince Edward County,” said Richard Lyall, President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).
The second round of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund offers an additional $250 million with $120 million from the Building Faster Fund is designated for small, rural, and northern communities.
Also, applications are open for the $400 million Housing-Enabling Core Servicing stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
“This funding will speed up the construction of new homes and help address the housing shortage,” said Patrick McManus, Executive Director of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA).