Health and Safety Water Stream funding ensures safe, reliable water systems for Smiths Falls’ growth and development
SMITHS FALLS — The Ontario government is investing more than $13.3 million in major water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Smiths Falls, a move local officials say is critical to supporting housing growth and long-term development.
Lanark Frontenac Kingston MPP John Jordan announced the funding Jan. 16 as part of the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program Health and Safety Water Stream. In total, $14,328,867 is being allocated to projects in Smiths Falls and Plevna.
The largest share, $13,306,867, will be used to upgrade the town’s trunk watermain and advance sewer separation work, addressing aging and undersized infrastructure that has become a limiting factor for future development.
Jordan said the investment will ensure Smiths Falls has safe and reliable water systems in place as the community continues to grow.
“Through the Health and Safety Water Stream, these communities will have access to safe and reliable water infrastructure that will give families peace of mind that their essential systems are being upgraded,” he said. “Investments like this will also support current and future growth, including the recently announced redevelopment plans for the former Gallipeau Centre.”
Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said the funding allows the town to move ahead with long planned infrastructure work tied directly to housing capacity.
“This $13,306,867 enables the town to proceed with the critical infrastructure work needed to continue the trajectory of residential development it has experienced over the past decade,” Pankow said.
Pankow noted that the town’s new water tower has already positioned Smiths Falls to meet water storage needs well into the future. The additional provincial funding will now allow for the replacement of approximately 1.9 kilometres of aging water infrastructure and provide the hydraulic capacity required to support hundreds of new homes expected in the coming years.
The project will also advance sewer separation efforts, diverting stormwater away from the wastewater treatment plant and ensuring sufficient capacity as the community grows, Pankow added.
The funding comes from the Health and Safety Water Stream, which the province expanded by $700 million for a total of $875 million to help municipalities protect access to safe drinking water, address extreme weather impacts and unlock housing development.
The investment is part of Ontario’s broader $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, included in the province’s $220 billion capital plan.
Acting Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy said the program is designed to help communities move projects forward despite economic uncertainty.
“By investing in critical infrastructure, we are helping municipalities get shovels in the ground, build more homes and modernize aging water systems,” McCarthy said in a statement.
As part of the same funding announcement, $1,022,000 has been allocated to the Village of Plevna in North Frontenac to rehabilitate, repair and expand its stormwater management system.
SOURCE: The office of MPP John Jordan
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