Ontario Investing More Than $14 Million for Housing-Enabling Infrastructure in Lanark and Frontenac Counties

Press Release

May 08, 2026

Province unlocking new housing opportunities, creating jobs and supporting economic growth

SMITHS FALLS — The Ontario government is investing more than $14 million to upgrade and rehabilitate critical water infrastructure in Lanark and Frontenac counties. The funding is part of Ontario’s $875 million investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) and will help protect more than 1,400 homes, keep workers on the job and support long-term economic growth in Eastern Ontario.

“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 Premier Doug Ford. “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.”

The following municipalities in Lanark and Frontenac counties are receiving MHIP-HSWS funding:

Town of Smiths Falls (Lanark County) — $13,306,867 to support the Smiths Falls trunk watermain upgrade and sewer separation, improving water system reliability and service for 1,380 existing homes
Township of North Frontenac (Frontenac County) — $1,022,000 to support the rehabilitation, repair and expansion of the stormwater management system in the Village of Plevna, enhancing resilience and protecting 35 homes.

“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, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “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.”

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 the MHIP-HSWS now totals $875 million.

“Our local communities are grateful for continued investments that protect critical infrastructure while supporting local jobs and the economy,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston. “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.”

Since 2024, Ontario has invested over $98 million in Lanark and Frontenac counties, as well as the City of Kingston, through the MHIP, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and the 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 more new homes possible and protected some 375,000 existing homes.
The MHIP comprises 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

“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.”
– Shawn Pankow
Mayor, Town of Smiths Falls

“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.”
– Gerry Lichty
Mayor, Township of North Frontenac

“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.”
– Pierre Dufresne
President, Lanark Leeds Home Builders Association

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Hannah Jensen
Premier’s Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca

Ash Milton
Minister McCarthy’s Office
Ash.Milton@ontario.ca

Ministry of Infrastructure
Communications Branch
MOI.media@ontario.ca

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