The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of up to $25 million in water infrastructure to support the construction of 2,266 new homes in the Town of Cobourg. This funding is part of the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which aims to help municipalities across the province develop, repair, rehabilitate, and expand drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to enable the construction of more homes.
The $25 million investment will be utilized to expand Cobourg’s wastewater system and water mains, providing essential clean water and waste management services to the community. This project is particularly focused on supporting the development of the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan area, a strategic initiative that aims to unlock more housing opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of working with municipal partners to expedite housing development across Ontario. “With billions of dollars in investments in housing-enabling infrastructure, our government is helping get more shovels in the ground to keep the dream of homeownership alive and help more families across Ontario find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” said Ford.
“By investing in drinking water and wastewater distribution systems and connecting pipes to land, we are helping municipalities build 511,000 new homes through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, including more than 2,200 homes through this project here in Cobourg. Building Ontario means building more homes and homes can’t be built without sustainable water systems in place.”
Minister of Infrastructure | Kinga Surma
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland expressed gratitude for the substantial grant, describing it as one of the largest the town has received in its history. He believes that Cobourg is poised to become the next largest urban centre east of the GTA along the 401 corridor and noticed that the town’s potential for growth and its status is the fastest-growing urban centre in Northumberland County.
ReNew Canada reports that the project will significantly enhance the town’s infrastructure, making it possible to meet the demands of a growing population and attracting new residents to the area. The improvements to the water and wastewater systems are essential for supporting the town’s expansion and providing a high quality of life for its residents.
In response to the growing demand for investments in water infrastructure, the Ontario government has allocated an additional $250 million to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, bringing the total investment to $1.2 billion. This additional funding will be used to support more projects across the province, with $120 million reserved for small, rural, and northern municipalities without specific housing targets.
Moreover, Ontario has also launched a second round of applications for funding under the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. This $400 million initiative aims to build, maintain, and repair core municipal assets such as roads, bridges, and culverts, which are necessary for the construction of new homes.
The expansion of water infrastructure in Cobourg is expected to create numerous job opportunities for workers in the construction field. From engineers and project managers to skilled laborers and tradespeople, the project will require a diverse range of expertise and manpower. This investment will not only support the construction of new homes but also contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for construction workers and other related professions.
As Northumberland—Peterborough South MPP David Piccini noted, “The $25 million investment will enable the community to build a stronger Cobourg with nearly 2,300 additional homes. Homes do not appear overnight — they require the right water and wastewater services that build these homes and support the communities they’re situated in.”
The $25 million investment in Cobourg’s water infrastructure is a vital step in supporting the town’s growth and meeting the demand for new housing. By expanding the wastewater system and water mains, the project will enable the construction of 2,266 new homes in the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan area. With the additional funding from the Ontario government, the town is well-positioned to become a major urban centre along the 401 corridor, providing new housing opportunities and economic growth for its residents. As the project moves forward, it will offer significant opportunities for construction workers and other professionals, further contributing to the development of the community.