MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing $78,448,148 for Critical Water Infrastructure in Simcoe North Funding will support housing, jobs and economic growth

16 January 2026

Funding will support housing, jobs and economic growth

Group Photo MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing $78,448,148 for Critical Water Infrastructure in Simcoe North

SIMCOE NORTH — Today, Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North announced the Ontario government is investing up to $78,448,148 to build/expand/rehabilitate water infrastructure in Simcoe North. 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. 

“Through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, our government is delivering real investments that help communities grow safely and sustainably,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This increased funding, especially through the Health and Safety Water Stream, will strengthen critical water and wastewater infrastructure, protect public health, and unlock new housing opportunities in these communities of Simcoe North. These improvements will support local jobs, enable responsible development, and ensure families have access to safe, reliable services now and for generations to come. I am proud to be part of a government that identifies and supports important infrastructure needs for so many communities across Ontario.” 

The MHIP-HSWS funding will be used in: 

  • The Township of Tay for the Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Phase II - $29,514,145
  • The City of Orillia for the Fittons Road West Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades - $3,270,106
  • The Town of Penetanguishene for the Robert Street West Well Treatment Facility - $11,497,500
  • The Township of Tiny for the Lafontaine (Georgian Sands) Watermain replacement - $4,166,397
  • The Township of Ramara for the Ramara Connect and Protect: Building a Resilient Ramara - $29,999,997 

“This is incredible news for Tay Township. We are extremely grateful to the Province of Ontario for this timely investment through the Health & Safety Water Stream Fund,” said Ted Walker, Mayor, Tay Township. “This funding supports the much-needed expansion of the Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is a critical step in addressing current capacity limits and unlocking new housing opportunities. With the plant operating over capacity and development on hold, this investment brings us closer to lifting the freeze that is currently affecting more than 1,500 housing units. We look forward to moving ahead in a way that benefits our current residents and welcomes future families to Tay Township.” 

“We sincerely thank the Province of Ontario for their continued support through the Health and Safety Water Stream funding,” said Don McIsaac, Mayor, City of Orillia. “This investment is more than infrastructure, it’s about improving the daily lives of our residents. By working together with the province, we can ensure safe, reliable water systems that protect public health and strengthen our community for generations to come.” 

"On behalf of the Town of Penetanguishene, I would like to thank the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Province of Ontario for their investment through the Health and Safety Water Stream,” said Doug Rawson, Mayor, Town of Penetanguishene. “I would also like to thank MPP Jill Dunlop for her continued support and advocacy in securing vital funding for our communities. These investments are essential, they ensure communities across the province have access to safe drinking water, reliable wastewater and stormwater systems, and responsible water management. This funding supports Penetanguishene’s Robert Street West Well Treatment Facility project, expanding our water supply capacity to support future growth, establishing a secondary source of safe drinking water for our residents, and adding a new reservoir to help stabilize the distribution system during peak demand." 

“The Township of Tiny is very grateful to the Ministry of Infrastructure for awarding the Township of Tiny with $4.16 million in funding provided through the Provincial Health and Safety Water Stream grant program,” said David Evans, Mayor of Tiny. “This funding enables the replacement of a major watermain in the Lafontaine drinking water system, part of a complex series of 16 drinking water systems in the Township. This opportunity helps ease the financial burden of essential infrastructure upgrades for a rural municipality like Tiny while continuing to protect the delivery of clean, safe drinking water for our community.” 

“On behalf of the Township of Ramara, I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to Premier Ford, Minister McCarthy, and MPP Jill Dunlop for their leadership and support,” said Basil Clarke, Mayor, Township of Ramara. “This incredible investment represents a significant milestone for our community. The funding will allow us to move forward with critical water and wastewater upgrades that protect public health, strengthen climate resilience, safeguard Lake Simcoe, and ensure Ramara has the safe, reliable infrastructure needed to support housing stability and long-term growth.” 

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.”  

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. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

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Contact: 
Jacqueline Bayley
Executive Assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop 
Jacqueline.bayley@pc.ola.org | 249-385-6244

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