Funding aimed at supporting housing growth, protecting existing homes and strengthening Eastern Ontario infrastructure
The Ontario government is investing more than $14 million in critical water infrastructure projects across Lanark and Frontenac counties, part of a broader provincial strategy to accelerate housing development, modernize aging municipal systems and support long-term economic growth in Eastern Ontario.
Announced Thursday in Smiths Falls, the funding comes through Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which now totals $875 million provincewide following additional funding commitments made earlier this year.
The province said the investments will help protect more than 1,400 existing homes while also enabling future residential development and supporting local employment during a period of economic uncertainty.
“Across Ontario, our government is investing in our $236 billion plan to build so we can protect Ontario, keep workers on the job and connect families to the world-class services they rely on,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “Today’s investment will protect homeowners and support the construction of new homes across Lanark and Frontenac counties. We will continue to work with our municipal partners to build for the future and keep the dream of homeownership alive in Ontario.”
Smiths Falls Receives Majority of Funding
The largest share of the funding package will go to the Smiths Falls in Lanark County, which will receive $13.3 million for a trunk watermain upgrade and sewer separation project.
According to the province, the project is expected to improve water system reliability and service for approximately 1,380 existing homes while also increasing wastewater and stormwater management capacity to accommodate future growth.
Major Infrastructure Renewal Planned
Shawn Pankow, mayor of Smiths Falls, said the investment will allow the municipality to move ahead with urgently needed infrastructure improvements.
“The Town of Smiths Falls is exceptionally grateful for the Government of Ontario’s support. This $13 million investment enables the town to proceed with critical infrastructure work. By replacing 1.9 kilometres of aged and undersized water infrastructure, we are securing vital water capacity for every home and business in town and adequate hydraulic pressure for our fire suppression needs. This project will also secure additional wastewater capacity for our growing community by diverting storm water from the Wastewater Treatment Plant through the separation of sewers.”
The province said the work is intended to address aging infrastructure while supporting additional housing development in the region.
North Frontenac Project to Improve Stormwater Resilience
The North Frontenac Township in Frontenac County will receive just over $1 million to rehabilitate, repair and expand the stormwater management system in the Village of Plevna.
Ontario officials said the project is expected to enhance local resilience against flooding and stormwater challenges while helping protect 35 homes.
Gerry Lichty, mayor of North Frontenac, welcomed the provincial contribution.
“The Township of North Frontenac is extremely pleased to receive support for this critical infrastructure project that will help us rehabilitate and expand Plevna’s stormwater management system. We thank the Ontario government and MPP Jordan for their support in making this happen.”
Province Expands Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
The funding announcement forms part of Ontario’s broader $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which was expanded in August 2025 to accelerate home construction and improve supporting infrastructure such as roads, water systems and wastewater services.
Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, said the investments are intended to strengthen municipalities while enabling long-term economic development.
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that builds stronger and more resilient communities,” said Todd McCarthy. “Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are supporting municipalities and First Nations with the funding they need to expand and improve aging water systems, unlock more housing and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”
The Health and Safety Water Stream was initially launched in January 2025 with a provincial commitment of $175 million. Ontario added another $700 million in January 2026, bringing the total allocation under the stream to $875 million.
According to the province, the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program has supported the creation potential of roughly 800,000 new homes since launching in 2024, while also helping protect approximately 375,000 existing homes.
Regional Leaders Highlight Economic and Housing Benefits
John Jordan, MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, said the infrastructure investments will support both residents and businesses across the region.
“Our local communities are grateful for continued investments that protect critical infrastructure while supporting local jobs and the economy,” said John Jordan. “Through the Health and Safety Water Stream, our government is ensuring residents and businesses have access to safe and reliable water systems. Investments like these are essential to supporting growing communities and strengthening them for the future.”
Industry groups also welcomed the funding announcement, pointing to the role infrastructure plays in enabling housing development in smaller Ontario communities.
“We thank Premier Ford, Minister McCarthy, MPP John Jordan and the Ontario government for investing in infrastructure that sustains the integrity of water supply for the residents of Smiths Falls. We further applaud the Premier’s recognition of the important role that rural towns and villages play in providing homes across the province.”
The statement was issued by Pierre Dufresne, president of the Lanark Leeds Home Builders Association.
Since 2024, Ontario said it has invested more than $98 million across Lanark and Frontenac counties, as well as the Kingston, through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Building Faster Fund.