The Government of Ontario announced it is investing up to $29.7 million to enable the construction of 12,900 new homes in the City of Brampton. The funding is being delivered through the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
“We’re working with our municipal partners here in Brampton and across Ontario to get more homes built faster,” said Premier Doug Ford. “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 families find a home that meets their needs and their budgets.”
The City of Brampton will use the funding to enhance stormwater management in downtown Brampton by upgrading 600 metres of Etobicoke Creek to improve the flow of stormwater runoff and floods. As part of the city’s Riverwalk project to create a long-term solution to eliminate the flood risk in downtown Brampton, this project will support the city’s growing population, unlock more housing opportunities and support economic growth.
“By investing in stormwater management infrastructure, our government is reducing the impact of flooding and ensuring public safety in local neighbourhoods, while also helping municipalities build 511,000 new homes through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, including 12,900 homes through this project here in Brampton,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Building Ontario means building more homes and homes can’t be built without sustainable water systems in place.”
The government is also allocating an additional $250 million and accepting a second round of applications through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, bringing the province’s total investment in the fund to $1.2 billion. Under the second intake, $120 million will be dedicated to projects in small, rural and northern municipalities without housing targets.
“On behalf of the City of Brampton, I extend my deepest gratitude to Premier Ford, Minister Surma and our local champion in MPP McGregor for this significant investment of up to $29.7 million towards our Downtown Brampton Stormwater Management Upgrades in support of our Riverwalk project. This crucial support will not only enhance our city’s infrastructure but also unlock the potential for 12,900 new homes, helping us meet the growing needs of our community and achieve our provincial housing targets. Together, we are building a more resilient and prosperous Brampton, ensuring a brighter future for all our residents,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton.
In response to the significant demand for investments in water and wastewater infrastructure to enable the construction of more homes and after consulting with municipalities, the province is transferring $275 million from the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to meet this demand.
“The Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) applauds the Ontario government’s continued investment in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure that will help get more homes built in Brampton, while addressing growth-related pressures and mitigate flooding in the region,” said Steve Tamas, president, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA).
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
