The provincial government has announced millions of dollars for a pair of water infrastructure projects in the region.
On a snowy Monday in central Hastings County, Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresse unveiled the funding for the Municipality of Tweed and for Centre Hastings.
$4,692,075 will be allocated to Centre Hastings to repair and expand the sanitary sewer trunk in the Village of Madoc.
Bresee spoke to Quinte News about the work.
“Ensure that it’s A: it’s stable and safe and sustainable, but B: to allow them that growth that is necessary for all of us to have expanded housing and available housing at a more affordable rate.”
In Tweed, $821,250 will be used for upgrades to the water treatment plant.
“We’re very pleased to be working with them (Tweed staff/council) to expand that capacity and not put that extra cost on the shoulders of the ratepayers in that area.”
Bresee says municipalities need support for major expenses such as these projects.
“These projects are incredible expensive. The province recognizes that the municipalities often need help to be able to get these programs going.”
“The Municipality of Tweed is extremely grateful to be receiving funding from the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP- HSWS),” said Tweed Mayor Don DeGenova. “This investment will assist the municipality with key upgrades to the municipal drinking water treatment infrastructure, enhance water treatment capacity, improve water safety, and preserve housing stock. We are also very grateful to our partner, Ontario Clean Water Agency for their assistance with the grant application and their continued role in managing this important project, and we truly ppreciate MPP Bresee’s support and his efforts to secure the funding that this community so desperately needs.”
“As our Municipality grows, this funding will help ensure we can meet the housing needs of both current residents and future generations,” said Tom Deline, Mayor of Centre Hastings. “We will continue to work with our provincial partners to move projects forward and bring new housing to our community. This investment supports the housing- enabling infrastructure that rural communities like ours urgently need. We appreciate the Province’s continued support as we do our part to address the housing crisis and build a more sustainable and inclusive future for residents of all ages. Through our cross-border servicing agreement, Centre Hastings provides wastewater collection services to parts of the Township of Madoc as well. This critical investment supports a safe and reliable wastewater system that benefits both communities and positions us for long-term growth.”
“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 omes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”
