The Ontario government is investing over $38.6 million to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure in Pembroke, Laurentian Valley, Whitewater Region, Renfrew, and Bonnechere Valley. Local officials say this funding will help tackle outdated systems while accommodating both current and future housing growth in the area.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Pembroke Water Treatment Plant by Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault, with the funding being allocated through the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream. This program aims to assist municipalities in maintaining and upgrading vital water systems connected to public health, safety, and housing development.
During his speech, Denault emphasized how critical water and wastewater systems are for local communities and their role in supporting growth.
“In my previous life, prior to being an MPP, I was a municipal councillor, as many of you know, and during that time it became clear to me how important any municipality’s water, wastewater infrastructure is and their full suite of services that they provide,” Denault said. “Many of these assets are in need of renewal and they are absolutely critical to the province’s goal of getting more shovels in the ground and more homes built across Ontario.”
Denault announced a total investment of $38,680,354 for projects throughout the riding. Pembroke is set to receive the largest portion-$28,733,256-for the Quarry Road Reservoir Expansion and Trunk Water Main Project. Whitewater Region will get $4,032,212 for improvements at the Cobden Water Treatment Plant. Renfrew is allocated $890,600 for upgrades to dual media high-rate gravity filters at its treatment plant. Bonnechere Valley will obtain $5,033,286 for service upgrades along John Street, Highway 41 and Queen Street.
“These investments are critical to maintaining existing infrastructure; unlocking opportunities for growth; ensuring our communities remain affordable; especially regarding something we rely on every single day-clean safe drinking water,” Denault stated.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announces $38.6 million from the province for water system improvements in Pembroke, Laurentian Valley, Whitewater Region, Renfrew, and Bonnechere Valley at the Pembroke Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday , Feb.3 ,2026. ANTHONY DIXON /Pembroke Observer and News
The funding in Pembroke will support a multi-part project involving expanding the city’s existing water storage reservoir; constructing a new trunk watermain linking Pembroke with Laurentian Valley; and completing designs for a new water tower. The aim is to address an existing shortage in water storage capacity while reducing associated risks within the system as well as facilitating future residential development.
Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais highlighted that this project represents essential infrastructure rather than just an optional upgrade.
“Water is critical to all communities, and we are thrilled with this funding announcement particularly for protecting Pembroke’s drinking water network into the future as well allowing growth here as well as in Laurentian Valley,” Gervais remarked.“This project addresses current shortages; aligns with provincial standards; safeguards existing homes; removes obstacles on approved housing units; and supports residential development.”
Gervais also noted that such progress would not be achievable without collaborative efforts between municipalities along with provincial support.
City of Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais thanks the Ontario government for investing $28.7 million in funding for upgrades to Pembroke’s water system on Tuesday , Feb.3 ,2026, in Pembroke , Ont. ANTHONY DIXON /Pembroke Observer and News
“Let’s be clear, it would place a burden upon City of Pembroke ratepayers if we had attempted this alone, and honestly, we probably wouldn’t have succeeded,” he added.“We wouldn’t be able do it without partnerships like those with Laurentian Valley plus support from Province of Ontario.”
The estimated overall cost of this project stands around $39.4 million. The provincial grant will cover about 73 percent of these costs while remaining expenses will be shared between Pembroke plus Laurentian Valley based on their established Water Services Agreement. Construction is expected start spring 2026 with completion required by March 31 ,2029.
Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett pointed out that this funding provides assurance needed so municipalities can advance necessary infrastructure related to growth.
Township of Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett speaking at podium during announcement about $38.6 million provincial funds designated towards upgrading five municipalities’ water systems within Renfrew County. Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer And News
“To develop new infrastructures & subdivisions which we’re aiming towards, we require assistance from province,” Bennett explained.“Today showcases major support. It allows us all proceed confidently knowing there’ll be safe new reservoirs, new trunk lines enabling development not just within Laurentian Valleybut also Cityof Pembrokes’ areas.”
The funds earmarkedfor Whitewater Regionwill facilitate crucial health & safety enhancements atthe Cobden Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Neil Nicholsonmentionedthatthisinvestmenthelps address longstanding infrastructuralneeds while minimizing financial impactsonresidents.
“As arural townshipherein County Renfrewsourcingover$4millionprovincialfundingforwater treatment plantrepresentsmajoraccomplishment& testamenttohardworkbyourstaff,”Nicholsonstated.“Thisallocationenables Whitewater Regiontomeetlongstandinghealthsafetyupdateswithoutsignificantrateincreaseswhichotherwisewouldhavebeennecessary.”
Whitewater Regionis receiving$4 ,032 ,212fromprovinceupgrades CObden Water Treatment Plant. Speakingintphotoattheannouncementceremonyis Whitewater Region Mayor Neil Nicholson. ANTHONYDIXON/Pembrok Observer And News
Nicholson revealed initial financial analysis indicates townshipcan fundits share usingexistinguserfee reserves avoidingdebenture financingandassociatedinterestcosts.
“To clarify: our waterrateswon’tbe goingdown,”hesaid.”However, thisinvestmentstabilizelong-termcostsandhelp protectour residentsfromaddedfinancialpressure.”
The funds grantedto Renfrewwillassistwithreconstructing filtrationunitsattown’swatertreatmentfacility. Mayor Tom Sidneysaidprovincialsupportiscrucialfor smallercommunitieswithlimitedutilityuserbases.
“Thisfunding via Ontario Health Safety Water Systems signifiesvaluableinvestmentinhealthsafety Renfrews Drinking Water Systems,”Sidneycommented.”Forruralcommunitieslike Renfewithsmallerutilitycustomerbase, stateassistanceisessentialensuringwecancontinueleveragingthisopportunity.”
Sidneyalsohighlightedthat Renfrews’roleasaregionalhubmeansservicingpopulationslargerthanitspermanentnumbers raisingdemands placeduponitsinfrastructure.
“Withoutthisfundingourfilterswithoutthe$850000wecouldn’tafforddoingit,”hesaid.”Wecan’t carryit alone.”
Bonnechere Valley Funding Will Support$68Million Infrastructure Project Eganville Including Replacement Underground Water Storm Sanitary Infrastructure Over50Years Old. Work Intended Increase System Capacity Improve Reliability Village Continues Grow.
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Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembrokemp MPPBilly Denault Bonniecher Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphyaddressesthcrowdattheannouncementof$38-60mprovincialfundingupgradewater Systems Five Ottawa Valleymunicipalities Theannouncementmade Tuesday Sept3at Pembrokwater Treamentplant Anthoy Dixon/Pembroko Observe And News “With hundrednewhomescurrentlydifferentdevelopmentstages, growingpopulationmorethan1000people, Eganvillesinfrastructureneedsupgradingmatchgrowth. “
•Montgomeryvalleymayor Jennifer Murphy Access Provincial Funding Enables Smaller Municipalitiesto Address Infrastructure Challenges Proactively. •”$5Mallowusdo$68Mprojectreplacecritical Watr Infracturathat hasmore50Yearsoldcommunityreliedgenerations”shesaid Making Upgradesaboutprotectpublichealth improvingreliabilityensuringresidentscontinueto Count Safe Dependable Service.”BCCremindme Eventsformore Date Remains Regularlyscheduled Upcoming Concertsevents Municipal Notices Sendwhile Alwaysresponsibly Use Funds Collectivemust Vantage Building Future Ontario.”,”BCEssential Ensure Partnership Approach Between Municipality Province Denultoppedcontinuedimprovinglives Residents Community+identifyingareasneedingimprovements.”,””]$
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“Withoutthisfundingourfilterswithoutthe$850000wecouldn’tafforddoingit,”hesaid.”Wecan’t carryit alone.”
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Bonnechere Valley Funding Will Support$68Million Infrastructure Project Eganville Including Replacement Underground Water Storm Sanitary Infrastructure Over50Years Old. Work Intended Increase System Capacity Improve Reliability Village Continues Grow.
“Recentyearscharmsquietlifestyle Rural Villages Like Eganville Have Drawn People From Larger City Centres Relocate Region.”
•Montgomeryvalleymayor Jennifer Murphy Access Provincial Funding Enables Smaller Municipalitiesto Address Infrastructure Challenges Proactively. •”$5Mallowusdo$68Mprojectreplacecritical Watr Infracturathat hasmore50Yearsoldcommunityreliedgenerations”shesaid Making Upgradesaboutprotectpublichealth improvingreliabilityensuringresidentscontinueto Count Safe Dependable Service.”BCCremindme Eventsformore Date Remains Regularlyscheduled Upcoming Concertsevents Municipal Notices Sendwhile Alwaysresponsibly Use Funds Collectivemust Vantage Building Future Ontario.”,”BCEssential Ensure Partnership Approach Between Municipality Province Denultoppedcontinuedimprovinglives Residents Community+identifyingareasneedingimprovements.”,””]$
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