A $17.2-million provincial injection will help Northumberland-Peterborough South communities build, expand and rehabilitate critical water infrastructure projects, says MPP David Piccini.
Piccini, alongside acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy, made the $17,239,944 announcement at Cam Tran Co. Friday, April 17, with the investment also aimed at helping local communities under housing, jobs and economic growth.
The bulk of the monies – more than $16.1 million – are helping communities in Northumberland like Cramahe, Trent Hills and Port Hope, while Asphodel-Norwood has also netted more than $1.1 million.
“Our government is committed to ensuring communities have the critical infrastructure they need to grow and thrive,” said Piccini. “By investing in modern, reliable water systems, we are supporting housing development, strengthening good local jobs, and ensuring small, rural municipalities have the confidence and certainty they need to plan for the future.”
The monies are funneling through the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which the province said has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
The largest portion of the funding – more than $7.1 million – will help the Municipality of Port Hope with its pressure zone 1 Croft Street water tower project and phase 2 construction.
Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky said this project isn’t just strengthening infrastructure relied on in the community – it’s positing the municipality for long-term planning success.
“Through this provincial investment, we are taking a responsible and forward-looking approach that supports public safety, housing stability and sustainability,” she said, while thanking the province for its investment.
The Township of Cramahe has also netted more than $6 million for its gravity sewer expansion and replacement project.
“This grant is the cornerstone for larger, long-range plans to ensure the economic health and safety of Cramahe Township,” said Mayor Mandy Martin. “It is the catalyst for stable, expanded water service of our industrial park and surrounding lands.
“Growth of industrial and residential opportunities will benefit the municipality, county and province.”
In Trent Hills, the municipality is using more than $2.9 million towards reconstruction of Tanner Road, Parkview Boulevard, Gair Street, and Ibey Court.
Mayor Bob Crate said the Tanner Road project is an example of what’s possible when levels of government work together.
“This kind of provincial partnership allows small municipalities like ours to tackle vital infrastructure upgrades that would otherwise require significant strategic planning and difficult trade-offs with other community priorities,” said Crate.
Meanwhile, the Township of Asphodel-Norwood will use its $1.1 million for the rehabilitation of Hwy. 7 water services and water main upgrades.
According to the province, this latest round of funding is part of a larger, historic $4-billion-investment through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program included in Ontario’s $236-billion-capital plan to build transit, highways, hospitals, schools and water infrastructure that enables new housing.
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said McCarthy. “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.”
According to Piccini’s office, since 2024, Ontario has invested more than $142 million through MHIP and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund in this region, “representing one of the largest-ever infrastructure investments in the area.”
