WHITBY, Ont. — The Region of Durham has received a $34.9 million grant from Ontario’s Housing Enabling Water System Fund to support a major rehabilitation project at the Oshawa Water Supply Plant. The $47.8 million project will increase system capacity to support future growth and housing development across the region.
Durham is experiencing significant population growth, and the region’s capital plans prioritize the infrastructure investments needed to accommodate it. The Oshawa Water Supply Plant rehabilitation is a key first step in enabling expansion projects at two additional regional water plants, ultimately supporting the construction of an estimated 182,000 homes.
“This substantial investment from the province is key to ensuring we can unlock more housing in Durham Region,” said John Henry, Durham’s Regional Chair and CEO.
Mayor of Uxbridge and Chair of the Works Committee, Dave Barton, echoed the sentiment, calling the grant a “game-changing investment” that will boost infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water for communities across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and Courtice.
The project is also seen as crucial for enabling further expansion at other water treatment plants in the region. Commissioner of Works, Ramesh Jagannathan, emphasized that the upgrade will not only secure reliable drinking water for residents but also promote growth and enable housing development across Durham.
The project is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Durham’s water infrastructure can meet the demands of the region’s rapid development and ensure long-term resilience.
