Friday, January 16, 2026
The Ontario government is putting $700 million towards 127 municipalities and First Nations communities to upgrade and expand water infrastructure across the province.
The funding is from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) through the program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS) which makes up $875 million of the MHIP’s total $4 billion.
Funding will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events, a government of Ontario release said.
“Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities. Our investments will deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario,” provincial acting minister of infrastructure Todd McCarthy said.
Across Simcoe North, the government is investing up to $78.4 million in HSWS funding to support five water system projects, including upgrades to Orillia’s Fittons Road West Sewage Pumping Station, which will help prevent sewage backups and support future growth. Other HSWS projects in Simcoe North include $30 million for Ramara, $29.5 million for Tay Township, $11.5 million for Penetanguishene and $4.16 million for Tiny Township, the release said.
“This increased funding, especially through the Health and Safety Water Stream, will strengthen critical water and wastewater infrastructure, protect public health and support housing in these communities of Simcoe North,” said MPP Dunlop. “These improvements will support local jobs, enable responsible development and ensure families have access to safe, reliable services now and for generations to come. I am proud to be part of a government that identifies and supports important infrastructure needs for so many communities across Ontario,” provincial minister of emergency preparedness and Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop said
Other recipients of the $700 million in additional funding through HSWS will be announced locally in the coming weeks, the release said.
