Norfolk County enthusiastically announces securing $16.5 million from the first round of the Province of Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to assist with Norfolk’s infrastructure demands and allow for future growth.
This landmark investment represents the single largest provincial transfer payment in Norfolk County’s history and is a testament to the power of positive relationship-building and strategic collaboration.
The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund will provide $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate, and expand drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Norfolk County will use the funding to upgrade the Port Dover Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace obsolete technology, increase capacity, and prevent overflows into Lake Erie. The key improvements include new and highly efficient preliminary, biological and disinfection treatment processes. By aligning water and wastewater capacity, proposed developments can proceed without the fear of another development moratorium.
The funding will significantly alleviate the financial burden on Norfolk County ratepayers, support critical infrastructure, unlock more housing opportunities, support economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma, recently announced a $1.9 billion investment in housing-enabling infrastructure projects to help local governments support the Province’s priority of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.
Norfolk County Council and staff are proud of this historic achievement and look forward to continuing to work with the Province of Ontario in a professional and respectful manner to create a prosperous future for all residents.
Learn more about the Province of Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
Above: Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma and Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin talk with Mariana Balaban, Project Director, during a visit to Port Dover in May.
Quotes
Mayor Amy Martin
“This funding is a direct result of Norfolk County Council’s commitment to rebuilding relationships with the province and consistently advocating for improved quality of life for our residents. Norfolk County has demonstrated that incredible opportunities come our way when we make a strong business case and show we’re ready to partner with the province. This is a win for every resident of Norfolk, and it’s just the beginning.”
Amy Fanning, Treasurer/Director, Financial Management and Planning
“This investment from the Province of Ontario will contribute to improving the affordability of services for Norfolk residents, assist in completing key wastewater infrastructure work, and mitigate future rate increases. These types of infrastructure investments from our Provincial partners are vital to the execution of Norfolk’s capital plan.”
Al Meneses, Chief Administrative Officer
“On behalf of Norfolk, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Province of Ontario for its historic investment in our municipal infrastructure. This significant funding not only enhances our community’s resilience and growth but also ensures that our current and future residents benefit from affordable, high-quality services. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to build a stronger, more sustainable Norfolk.”
