Ontario Invests $135 Million in Water and Irrigation Infrastructure in Niagara and Leamington
Funding supports housing, agriculture, and job protection amid economic uncertainty
NIAGARA — The Ontario government is investing $135 million to upgrade water systems and irrigation infrastructure in Niagara Region and Leamington, aiming to boost housing development, support agriculture, and protect jobs in the face of economic challenges and U.S. tariffs.
Announced on August 11 by Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma, the funding will flow through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), targeting water system upgrades in growing communities and critical infrastructure for Ontario’s agri-food sector.
“With our investments, we are unlocking more housing and building critical infrastructure that will protect communities, support the farming sector and keep workers on the job,” said Surma.
I’m making an announcement in Niagara Falls right now. Tune in: https://t.co/C8m1Pt2w45
— Kinga Surma (@KingaSurmaMPP) August 11, 2025
Niagara to Receive Nearly $100 Million for Water and Farming Projects
Niagara Region will receive approximately $94 million, divided into two major components:
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$53 million for six water system projects to support up to 14,000 new homes under the MHIP’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF).
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$41 million to expand irrigation infrastructure, helping hundreds of farms grow high-value fruit and vegetable crops, including peaches, grapes, and tender fruit.
Niagara officials say this is the largest provincial investment in water infrastructure in the region’s recent history.
“With almost $100 million in investments, it shows again that Niagara matters,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
“This funding will help provide clean, safe drinking water, reduce pressure on local taxpayers, and support the region’s world-class farming sector,” added Jim Bradley, Chair of Niagara Region.
Leamington to Receive $41 Million for Wastewater Infrastructure
In Leamington, the province is investing $41 million to expand wastewater treatment capacity, helping protect thousands of acres of greenhouse operations—many of which supply vegetables year-round to grocery stores across Ontario and beyond.
“By funding critical infrastructure, we’re strengthening food security and giving Ontario farmers the tools they need to grow and succeed,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Leamington is home to one of North America’s largest greenhouse hubs, and the new upgrades are expected to support nutrient-rich wastewater management and greenhouse expansion while improving environmental protection.
The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) praised the move, noting it would help growers recycle up to 90% of process water, cut costs, and reduce environmental impacts while enhancing food safety.
Background: Part of Ontario’s $2.3B Housing Infrastructure Plan
This funding builds on the province’s $400 million allocation to water infrastructure under the MHIP. To date, Ontario has committed $2.3 billion through the program to help municipalities unlock 800,000 new homes province-wide.
The MHIP includes four key funding streams:
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Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF)
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Housing-Enabling Core Servicing (HECS)
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Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS)
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Agriculture and Irrigation Stream
These latest investments align with Ontario’s $200 billion capital plan to build and upgrade transit, highways, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure across the province.
“Reliable infrastructure is essential to rural economic development and growing Ontario’s housing supply,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
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