The Ontario government is investing CAD 70 million in Collingwood and New Tecumseth as part of the first round of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, a CAD 970 million initiative designed to help municipalities develop, repair, and expand critical infrastructure such as drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
According to a statement from the Office of Member of Provincial Parliament Brian Sanderson, the funding will support the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant. This expansion will enable the construction of 59,731 housing units across both towns, addressing significant housing needs in the region.
“This is a transformational investment in a generational project that will build sustainable and resilient communities in Simcoe-Grey,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. He emphasized the government’s focus on responsible growth, including the development of housing, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for the investment. Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin called the water treatment plant expansion "the largest infrastructure investment in Collingwood’s history", while New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross praised the government for helping to ensure continued growth and prosperity for their communities.
Additionally, the government has committed a second round of applications for the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund for an additional CAD 250 million, increasing its total commitment to CAD 1.2 billion in this year’s budget. The second intake of applications is now open until November 1. All municipalities that own water, waste and stormwater infrastructure that did not apply, or were not selected in the first application intake, are eligible to apply under the second intake. In addition, single-tier municipalities that do not currently own water assets, but through the project will own assets at the completion of the project and beyond, are eligible to apply.
Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, stressed the importance of infrastructure in housing development, stating, "By investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities and connecting pipes to land, we are helping municipalities build more homes."
