Funding will support local housing, jobs and economic growth
Significant improvements to aging local water infrastructure, along with new funding from the Government of Ontario is helping local municipalities in Northumberland – Peterborough South better plan for the future. Today, MPP David Piccini, alongside Minister Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure announced the Ontario government is investing $17,239,944 to build, expand and rehabilitate water infrastructure in Northumberland and township of Asphodel-Norwood.
The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which 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.
“Our government is committed to ensuring communities have the critical infrastructure they need to grow and thrive,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South. “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 following municipalities will receive funding through MHIP-HSWS:
The Township of Cramahe will receive $6,038,286 through for their 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 Mandy Martin, Mayor of Cramahe. “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.”
The Municipality of Trent Hills will use $2,921,513 in funding for the reconstruction of Tanner Rd, Parkview Blvd, Gair Street, and Ibey Court.
“The Tanner Road project is a great example of what’s possible when different levels of government work together,” said Bob Crate, Mayor of Trent Hills. “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. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment in Trent Hills.”
The Township of Asphodel-Norwood will use $1,111,342 for the Rehabilitation of Highway 7 water services and watermain upgrades.
“This support means a great deal to our community,” said Patrick Wilford, Mayor of Asphodel-Norwood.
“We thank the Province of Ontario for helping us advance critical infrastructure improvements in a way that is both cost-effective and mindful of residents and local businesses.”
Additionally, the Municipality of Port Hope will receive up to $7,168,803 for their Pressure Zone 1 Croft Street Water Tower – Phase 2 construction.
“This project contributes to the strengthening of the infrastructure our community relies upon while positioning Port Hope for long-term planning success.” Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of Municipality of Port Hope. “Through this provincial investment, we are taking a responsible and forward-looking approach that supports public safety, housing stability, and sustainability. I thank the Province of Ontario for its investment in our future.”
This funding is part of a historic investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), included in Ontario’s $236 billion capital plan, the most ambitious in the province’s history, 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 Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “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.”
QUICK FACTS
• Since 2024, Ontario has invested $142,351,963 through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) and Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) across Northumberland-Peterborough South, representing one of the largest-ever infrastructure investments in the area.
• In August 2025, Ontario increased the MHIP to $4 billion to speed up construction of homes and core infrastructure, such as roads and water systems. Since its launch in 2024, the MHIP has enabled more than 6,300 homes and protected over 10,400 homes from health and safety risks across communities in Northumberland-Peterborough South.
• The MHIP is comprised of four funding streams: the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing (HECS) Stream, the Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS) and the Agriculture and Irrigation Stream.
• In January 2025, Ontario announced an initial investment of $175 million to launch the MHIP-HSWS.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
