Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was in Goderich and Port Elgin Wednesday morning to announce some funding coming from the provincial Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
Thompson says the area is receiving a significant sum to help aid in numerous water and waste water expansions.
"Our Ontario government is investing $39,448,926 in more water infrastructure to help build approximately 4,974 homes," Thompson claimed. "Our government is working closely with every municipality in Huron-Bruce to identify priorities and to ensure that we are in a good position to provide the foundation in which to continue to build our communities."
The new round of funding pairs with funding announced in 2024 that brings the total to over $39.4 million. The funds are being split between five municipalities in Huron-Bruce, including Huron East, Saugeen Shores, South Huron, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, and Central Huron.
A statement from Thompson's constituency office says that this funding, which is part of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), is "part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and includes historic investments in housing- and community-enabling infrastructure that will help municipalities deliver the core infrastructure needed, such as roads and water systems, to lay the foundation for new homes in communities across the province."
Thompson says affordable housing is a major concern and ensuring more affordable homes are built is a priority.
"Not only for people to enter the market, but also for people to look into advancing into the next stage. We need to recognize that in Huron and Bruce, a lot of people are looking to retire in this area, as well," noted Thompson.
Thompson says Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack is committed to making sure more affordable housing options are being built across the province, including in midwestern Ontario.
This funding will support the following municipalities and their individual projects:
Municipality of Huron East
Seaforth Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
$12,819,000.00
Town of Saugeen Shores
Southampton Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrades
$17,976,250.00
Municipality of South Huron
London Road South Trunk Sanitary Sewer
$5,367,325.00
Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh
Century Heights Drinking Water Expansion
$2,110,156.00
Municipality of Central Huron
King Street Infrastructure Expansion Project
$1,176,195.00
"In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is investing in the future for the people of Ontario by doubling down on our plan to build," said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. "With our additional investments in the MHIP, we’re unlocking more housing and building critical infrastructure that will protect communities, keep workers on the job and lay the groundwork for a stronger economy."