Rae Announces over $20 million in Housing Enabling Infrastructure Funding
August 22, 2025
[Perth-Wellington] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that the Government of Ontario has provided four local municipalities with over $20.4 million through the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) program.
“This funding will go a long way in assisting our rural municipalities in building the infrastructure necessary to get more homes built locally,” said MPP Rae. “Whether it is roads, water infrastructure or other housing enabling infrastructure, our provincial government will be there to support our municipal partners. This is a great day for communities across Perth-Wellington as we unlock the opportunity for over 3,100 families to have a place to call their own.”
HEWSF is part of the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario. It 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.
This new provincial infrastructure funding builds upon the $11.2 million communities across Perth-Wellington have previously received through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream of the MHIP. Since the beginning of 2025, rural communities across Perth-Wellington have received over $31.6 million in provincial infrastructure funding.
HEWSF funding as provided by the Ministry of Infrastructure:
| Municipality | Funding | Project Description | Homes Enabled |
| Town of Minto | $ 4,462,125 | Reconstruction of WR123/Main St. W and W, Palmerston | 1447 |
| Township of Perth East | $ 707,370 | Milverton Parallel Forcemain Project | 216 |
| Township of Mapleton | $ 9,873,250 | Mapleton Wastewater Treatment Capacity Expansion | 795 |
| Municipality of North Perth | $ 5,426,638 | Listowel Fairlaine Road Sanitary Pump Station | 712 |
| Total | $ 20,469,383 | | 3,170 |
“In our relentless effort to build a future-focused, progressive North Perth, one with infrastructure that supports a broad base of housing options and robust commercial and industrial sectors, we are grateful to Ontario for its contribution of $5.4M from the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fun to address an expansion area in Listowel. On behalf of Council, thanks to the province and to Mr. Rae for his effective advocacy at Queens Park.”
- Todd Kasenberg, Mayor, North Perth
“Investing in wastewater infrastructure is essential to maintaining a healthy environment and providing critical upgrades to support community housing, industry and commercial growth. The Township of Mapleton is pleased the Province is providing almost 25% of our ambitious upgrade and expansion plan to ensure our wastewater users, current and future, have access to a modern and reliable wastewater system.”
- Gregg Davidson, Mayor, Township of Mapleton
“The Township of Perth East has continued to work with MPP Rae and his office in moving forward with projects that address current and future needs in our community. I applaud our staff for the continued efforts to make sure we explore every opportunity to access needed funds to better Perth East. The Housing Enabling Water System Fund-Intake 2 will enhance our abilities to treat wastewater in Milverton for current and future properties. We thank the Minister of Infrastructure and the Province for acknowledging the need for funding support in small, rural communities like Perth East.”
- Rhonda Ehgoetz, Mayor, Township of Perth East
“On behalf of the Council and the citizens of the Town of Minto, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Health and Safety Water Stream for their generous financial support of $4,462,125.00 toward the reconstruction of WR123/Main Street West in Palmerston. This investment plays a vital role in the successful revitalization of our main street, and we are truly grateful for this valued partnership.”
- Dave Turton, Mayor, Town of Minto