Drivers everywhere will need to prepare themselves for more construction as the province is making money available to municipalities for infrastructure projects.
The Ontario government is investing $200 million over three years to help repair, rehabilitate, and expand critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
"We have heard time and time again that municipalities need more options for funding to meet the growing demand for infrastructure in their communities," said Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma.
On Thursday, she announced a new Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund "to build stronger, more prosperous communities," adding that Ontario will also continue to call on the federal government for "funding to address significant unmet infrastructure needs."
According to the province, much of Ontario’s infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s and is due for repairs. And plenty of new infrastructure is needed to keep up with the demand for new housing.
"Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure are the most critical infrastructure assets necessary in the residential construction process," said Patrick McManus, the Executive Director of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association. "This is the first step in building new residential developments, so without these assets being built, homes can’t get built," he added.
McManus said he believes the investment will have a direct, positive impact on communities suffering from the housing crisis.
Paul Calandra, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing said the the money will give municipal homebuilding partners the tools they need to get closer to the government's goal to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031.
"Programs like the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund are just one of several ways we are working with municipalities to help build more homes," Calandra said.
Eligible municipalities will be able to nominate housing-enabling water and wastewater projects through this fund in early 2024.
