COBOURG, ONT.—The Ontario government is investing up to $25 million in water infrastructure to support the construction of 2,266 new homes in the Town of Cobourg. The funding is part of the first round of investments under the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, and expand drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems essential for housing development.
“We’re working with our municipal partners in Cobourg and across Ontario to build more homes faster,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This investment in water infrastructure is part of our broader effort to help families find homes that meet their needs and budgets.”
The Town of Cobourg will use the funds to expand its wastewater system and watermains, ensuring the community has access to clean water and supporting the development of the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan area. The project is expected to unlock the potential for thousands of new homes and foster economic growth.
“By investing in essential water systems, we are helping municipalities build 511,000 new homes through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, including more than 2,200 homes in Cobourg,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Building homes requires sustainable water infrastructure, and this investment will play a key role in making that possible.”
In response to growing demand for water infrastructure to support housing, the Ontario government has added an extra $250 million to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, bringing the total investment to $1.2 billion. The second round of funding will prioritize projects in small, rural, and northern municipalities.
David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland—Peterborough South, emphasized the importance of water and wastewater services in home development. “This $25 million investment will enable Cobourg to welcome nearly 2,300 new families and create a stronger community,” he said.
In addition to this fund, Ontario’s 2024 budget included over $1.8 billion in housing-enabling infrastructure through programs like the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, aimed at supporting the construction of critical infrastructure for new homes.
