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Ontario Investing Nearly $29 Million to Expand and Improve Infrastructure in Perth and Wellington Counties

Press Release

March 18, 2026

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

KENILWORTH — The Ontario government is investing nearly $29 million to expand and rehabilitate rural water infrastructure in Perth and Wellington counties. The funding is part of a $875 million investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) and will help protect more than 5,500 homes, support new housing opportunities, keep workers on the job and drive economic growth in Southwestern Ontario.

“Across Ontario, our government is investing in our $223 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 Perth and Wellington 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 Perth and Wellington counties are receiving MHIP-HSWS funding:

  • Township of Wellington North — $26,097,500 to expand the Arthur Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgrade the associated forcemain, as well as replace and expand the Drayton Sewage Pumping Station in Mapleton, ensuring long-term service sustainability for 2,330 existing homes
  • The Municipality of West Perth — $2,053,125 for the Herbert Street Sewage Pumping Station, helping to sustain service for some 2,378 homes
  • The Township of Perth East — $675,250 for the Milverton Well Replacement and Reservoir Rehabilitation, supporting 850 homes with improved water security.

“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.”

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 now totals $875 million.

“Our government is making significant, long-term investments in rural infrastructure, including right here in Perth-Wellington,” said local MPP Matthew Rae. “This nearly $29 million commitment will strengthen water systems, improve community assets and unlock new housing opportunities across Wellington and Perth Counties, which will support economic growth and ensure we are protecting our communities for the next generation.”

Since 2024, the government has invested a total of almost $150 million in Perth and Wellington counties through MHIP and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), representing one of the largest infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“Safe and reliable water infrastructure is a key component of economic and community growth in rural Ontario. Investments like this demonstrate our government’s commitment to enabling opportunities for rural families, businesses and communities to thrive.”
– Lisa Thompson
Minister of Rural Affairs

“The Township of Wellington North is grateful for the province’s support for the Arthur Wastewater Treatment Plant project. This funding is a major step forward in helping us unlock the capacity we need to support responsible growth in Arthur, while also strengthening the infrastructure that helps our neighbouring communities and the surrounding region grow and prosper. It’s also a great example that when all levels of government work together, we can deliver the essential infrastructure our residents need and our economy depends on.”
– Andy Lennox
Mayor, Township of Wellington North

“This announcement is great news for our current and future ratepayers. The Township of Mapleton has been limited in growth for two decades because of wastewater restrictions. In 2025 we formed a Municipal Service Corporation and embarked on a $42 million expansion of our water and wastewater systems to unleash our housing growth potential. This funding from the province’s Health and Safety Water Stream will have a significant positive impact in our community. We are extremely thankful for the collaboration we have had with the provincial government.”
– Gregg Davidson
Mayor, Township of Mapleton

“The Municipality of West Perth is grateful for the Ontario government’s support through more than $2 million in funding for the Herbert Street Sewage Pumping Station Mechanical Rehabilitation project. This much-needed investment will strengthen critical infrastructure and help ensure the continued delivery of reliable wastewater services for our community. It represents a significant step toward ensuring the long-term viability of essential services that support both our current residents and future growth.”
– Walter McKenzie
Mayor, Municipality of West Perth

“The province’s financial support through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program will allow the Township to proceed with the Milverton Well Replacement and Reservoir Rehabilitation Project. We remain grateful for the continued support from the provincial government and MPP Matthew Rae.”
– Rhonda Ehgoetz
Mayor, Township of Perth East

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 Media Line
Communications Branch
MOI.media@ontario.ca

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