MPP Jill Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing almost $8.5 Million in Simcoe North to Build More Homes
August 26, 2025
The Ontario government is investing $7,820,125.00 in
water infrastructure to help build approximately 3,055 new homes in the Township of Severn
and $675,926.00 for approximately 1,000 new homes in the Town of Penetanguishene. The
funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund
(HEWSF), a stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP).
“I am proud to congratulate the Town of Penetanguishene and the Township of Severn on
securing this significant provincial funding through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund
– Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This investment will support vital water infrastructure upgrades, helping both communities accommodate future housing growth and meet the needs of residents for years to come. By strengthening essential services, we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable development and vibrant, thriving communities.”
The Township of Severn will use the funding for optimization of the Westshore Wastewater
Treatment Plant while the Town of Penetanguishene will use the funding for Rehabilitation of
Fox & Waterfront Sanitary Sewers. These projects will help unlock more housing opportunities
and support economic growth in the local communities.
“We are thrilled to receive this support from the Ministry of Infrastructure for the Rehabilitation
of Fox and Waterfront Sanitary Sewers. This investment will allow us to rehabilitate existing
sanitary sewers, maintenance holes and sanitary services, enhancing our capacity to treat and
manage both wastewater and stormwater,” said Doug Rawson, Mayor of Penetanguishene.
“It’s a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of our
infrastructure. On behalf of the Town of Penetanguishene, I extend our sincere thanks to the
provincial government for their dedication to promoting growth through investments in essential
water and wastewater projects.”
“Township of Severn is thrilled to receive this important investment, and we are truly grateful
for the support provided by the Province of Ontario through the Housing-Enabling Water
Systems Fund,” said Mike Burkett, Mayor of Severn. “This funding for Severn’s infrastructure is
essential for our long-term growth and will play a crucial role in ensuring that this growth
remains sustainable. The project will improve the capacity of the Westshore Wastewater
Treatment Facility, enabling an increase in the number of new housing units that the facility
can accommodate, supporting future development in the Westshore area and contributing to
the growth and vitality of the Severn community.”
The MHIP is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and includes historic investments
in housing- and community-enabling infrastructure that will help municipalities deliver the core
infrastructure needed, such as roads and water systems, to lay the foundation for new homes
in communities across the province.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is investing in the future for the people of
Ontario by doubling down on our plan to build,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“With our additional investments in the MHIP, we’re unlocking more housing and building
critical infrastructure that will protect communities, keep workers on the job and lay the
groundwork for a stronger economy.”
This round of funding brings the total number of homes enabled in Ontario through the MHIP to
about 800,000. Investing in local infrastructure is part of the province’s more than $200 billion
capital plan to build and improve transit, highways, hospitals, schools and other critical public
infrastructure, while strengthening the economy for the future.
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