Ontario Investing Over $61 Million for Critical Water Infrastructure in Five Municipalities Across Elgin County
January 21, 2026
Funding will support housing, jobs and economic growth
ST. THOMAS — Today, MPP Rob Flack announced the Ontario government is investing just over $61 million to build, expand and rehabilitate water infrastructure in five municipalities across Elgin County. 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.
“Elgin-Middlesex-London is growing, and our government is making sure this growth is supported by reliable, modern infrastructure”, said Rob Flack, MPP of Elgin-Middlesex-London. “This investment reinforces our commitment to sustainable, well‑planned growth. By upgrading and expanding critical water and wastewater systems across our communities, we ensure the foundations are in place to support new homes, protect our communities, and strengthen our local economy.” He added, “this forward‑looking infrastructure will help families and businesses thrive for generations.”
The MHIP-HSWS funding will be used for the following projects:
The Town of Aylmer will receive $7,208,750 for the installation of headworks and fixed bed biological media system for the sanitary treatment lagoons.
The Municipality of Central Elgin will receive $9,307,500 for flood mitigation in Port Stanley.
The Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich will receive $4,735,875 for a wastewater treatment plant and pump station 1 upgrades
The Township of Malahide will receive $15,330,000 for rehabilitation of the Port Burwell secondary main.
The Township of Southwold will receive $24,685,041 for upgrade and expansion of a wastewater treatment plant.
“This long-term investment protects local waterways, reduces breakdowns and costs, and ensures our system can support new homes and jobs”, said Town of Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt. “Looking after core infrastructure keeps services reliable and affordable for residents. Thank you to the province for partnering with us to reinforce the strong foundation of Aylmer’s bright future.”
“This funding will allow us to implement flood mitigation measures in Port Stanley that will protect our residents, businesses, and community assets,” said Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We appreciate Minister Flack’s continued support of Central Elgin.”
“This funding demonstrates the province’s recognition that rural communities face unique infrastructure challenges” said Mike Hentz, Mayor of Dutton Dunwich. “This contribution will help ensure that essential wastewater services in Dutton Dunwich remain reliable, environmentally responsible, and sustainable for years to come.” CAO Tony Houad added, “[i]nvestments like this highlight the importance of strong partnerships between municipalities and the province. This funding will allow Dutton Dunwich to move forward with critical infrastructure upgrades that support future growth, while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers.”
This funding is part of a historic investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), included in Ontario’s $220 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.”
“This funding will support the replacement of approximately 7 kilometres of aging watermain and key system upgrades that will improve pressure, reliability, and long‑term performance. This investment strengthens Malahide’s water infrastructure, enhances fire protection capacity, and ensures a more resilient and reliable system for the community”, said Dominique Giguere, Mayor of Malahide.
“On behalf of Council and the residents of Southwold, we are grateful to the province for this investment through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream”, said Grant Jones, Mayor of Southwold Township. “This funding will advance important improvements to the sanitary wastewater system in Talbotville—enhancing capacity and resiliency, strengthening public health, protecting our environment, and ensuring reliable, modern service for our growing community.”
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Media Contact:
Emily Bradshaw
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org