Funding Boost for Infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario

Two municipalities in southwestern Ontario will receive nearly $29 million to enhance and upgrade rural water infrastructure.

Premier Doug Ford announced the funding for Perth and Wellington counties during a news conference on Wednesday morning in Kenilworth, located in the Township of Wellington North.

“We’re making these investments to ensure families, workers and businesses have the world class services and infrastructure that they need to thrive in Perth-Wellington,” Ford stated.

“These investments will boost resilience during severe weather events, protecting over 5,500 homes in the area, while also supporting the construction of hundreds more homes to keep home ownership dreams alive for future generations.”

Municipalities receiving MHIP-HSWS funding

The province reports that this funding is part of an $875-million investment through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS).

A news release from the province indicates that these municipalities in Perth and Wellington counties are set to receive MHIP-HSWS funding:

Township of Wellington North – $26,097,500 to expand the Arthur Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgrade its associated forcemain. This also includes replacing and expanding the Drayton Sewage Pumping Station in Mapleton, ensuring long-term service sustainability for 2,330 existing homes. The Municipality of West Perth – $2,053,125 for the Herbert Street Sewage Pumping Station, which helps sustain service for around 2,378 homes. The Township of Perth East – $675,250 for Milverton Well Replacement and Reservoir Rehabilitation, enhancing water security for 850 homes.During the news conference, Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz from the Township of Perth East expressed her gratitude for the funding. (CBC)

Ford was joined at this event by mayors from municipalities that will benefit from this support.

Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz from Township of Perth East shared her appreciation.

“We are very grateful for the money that we’re going to use in Milverton,” she said. “We’re going to refurbish one of our wells and then we’ll be able to expand our village.”

Mayor Andy Lennox from Township of Wellington North mentioned that this funding would help advance new housing projects and business development while allowing responsible community growth.

“Municipalities carry much of the responsibility for community infrastructure even when growth benefits everyone,” he noted. He added that “that’s why partnerships like this really matter, and why we sincerely appreciate the province’s contribution.”

Replacing wastewater pumping station in Mapleton

Mayor Gregg Davidson from Township of Mapleton pointed out that there has been “limited growth” over two decades due to wastewater capacity challenges.

Davidson revealed plans for a $42-million infrastructure project set to kick off in 2025 aimed at resolving those issues.

“This funding from the province’s health and safety water stream will go toward replacing the Drayton wastewater pumping station along with essential conveyance infrastructure alongside treatment system upgrades,” he explained.

“Our expanded and renewed wastewater system will unlock housing by mid-2027.”

Sine 2024 Ontario has invested close to $150 million into both Perth and Wellington counties through MHIP as well as through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), according to provincial reports.

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