Province protecting communities, creating jobs and supporting economic growth
“This investment strengthens the foundations of our communities. It means safer, more reliable drinking water for residents, modern infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather and the capacity our municipalities need to grow. But just as importantly, this is an investment in Niagara’s economic future.” – Brian Grant, Acting Niagara Regional Chair and Mayor of Wainfleet
A News Release from the Ontario Government of Premier Doug Ford
Posted May 7th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
THOROLD In Niagara, Ontario — The Ontario government is investing nearly $44 million to help rehabilitate drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in the Niagara Region. The funding is through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) and will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty, 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 communities, including those across the Niagara Region, the help they need to deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.”
The following Niagara Region municipalities are receiving MHIP-HSWS funding:
- City of St. Catharines – $3.8 million for the Martindale Pond Weir Rehabilitation project
- City of Welland – $10.7 million to renew Broadway Area Sanitary, Water and Storm Infrastructure
- Regional Municipality of Niagara – $24.5 million for primary treatment upgrades to the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Town of Fort Erie – $4.5 million to replace an existing watermain along Colony Road, Windmill Point Lane and Staniland Park Road
“By upgrading and expanding critical water infrastructure in Niagara, our government is helping to ensure safe and reliable services across our region, while at the same time creating jobs and driving economic growth,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“This latest investment of nearly $44 million in Niagara is part of $272.5 million in provincial infrastructure investments across our local communities since 2024, representing one of the largest infrastructure commitments in Niagara’s history, supporting families and businesses for the future.”
In January 2025, Ontario announced an initial investment of $175 million to launch the MHIP-HSWS. With additional funding of $700 million announced in January 2026, Ontario’s investment in MHIP-HSWS totals $875 million.
Since 2024, Ontario has invested more than $272.5 million across Niagara Region through MHIP, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and Building Faster Fund, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region’s history.
Quick Facts
- 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 made about 800,000 new homes possible and rehabilitated water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure for approximately 375,000 existing homes.
- 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.
Quotes
“Investments in core water infrastructure are critical to keeping our communities safe and resilient. The rehabilitation of the Martindale Pond Weir will help protect surrounding areas, maintain water levels in the pond and preserve an important part of the landscape of St. Catharines for years to come. We appreciate the Ontario government’s partnership in supporting infrastructure that strengthens communities across Niagara.” – Mat Siscoe, Mayor, City of St. Catharines
“On behalf of the City of Welland, I want to thank the provincial government for this significant investment in our community. The $10.7 million in funding for water, sanitary and storm infrastructure renewal in the Broadway area will help us modernize essential systems, support new housing opportunities and ensure our residents continue to have access to safe and reliable services. As Welland continues to grow, partnerships like this are vital to building strong neighbourhoods and supporting the long-term prosperity of our city.” – Frank Campion, Mayor, City of Welland
“This investment strengthens the foundations of our communities. It means safer, more reliable drinking water for residents, modern infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather and the capacity our municipalities need to grow. But just as importantly, this is an investment in Niagara’s economic future.” – Brian Grant, Acting Niagara Regional Chair
“We are grateful for the Ontario government’s continued investment in Niagara Falls and the region’s wastewater infrastructure. This funding is critical in extending the life and addressing odour issues at our Stanley Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant.” – Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls
“The Town of Fort Erie expresses its appreciation to the Ontario government for this important investment. This funding will enable critical upgrades to our local water infrastructure, essential for delivering safe, reliable services today while preparing our community for continued growth tomorrow. Provincial support like this allows us to upgrade vital water systems, manage responsible development, meet the needs of our residents and businesses and safeguard the long term health of Fort Erie.” – Wayne Redekop, Mayor, Town of Fort Erie
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.
Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!
Niagara At Large 