The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of up to $29.7 million to support the construction of 12,900 new homes in Brampton through the first round of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. This investment, part of a larger $970 million fund, will help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate, and expand critical water infrastructure, including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of working with municipalities to address Ontario’s housing needs: “We’re working with our municipal partners here in Brampton and across Ontario to get more homes built faster. 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 $29.7 million to enhance stormwater management in downtown Brampton, upgrading 600 metres of Etobicoke Creek as part of the city’s Riverwalk project. This project is critical in mitigating flood risks, unlocking new housing opportunities, and supporting the city’s growing population and economic development.
“This announcement is a huge step forward in revitalizing our downtown and paving the way for constructing nearly 13,000 new homes,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, MPP for Brampton South. “Our government will continue to ensure that Brampton can meet the housing needs of families and young people by providing the essential services and funding necessary for our city’s continued growth.”
Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North, expressed pride in the investment’s potential to transform the city: “I was proud to join Premier Ford and caucus colleagues for a historic announcement that will transform the future of Brampton’s downtown core. Our government is investing nearly $30M into Brampton’s Riverwalk project, which will help unlock space for 12,900 new homes and fuel significant economic growth in our city. This investment will attract businesses, create jobs, and revitalize our downtown. A huge shoutout to our city’s Mayor Patrick Brown and the entire Brampton Council for their continued efforts in making sure Brampton gets the support it deserves. Together, we’re building a stronger Brampton that future generations can call home.”
The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund aims to support municipalities in their efforts to build 511,000 new homes across Ontario. Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma highlighted the importance of infrastructure in enabling housing development: “By investing in stormwater management infrastructure, our government is reducing the impact of flooding and ensuring public safety in local neighborhoods, while also helping municipalities build 511,000 new homes, including 12,900 homes here in Brampton. Building Ontario means building more homes, and homes can’t be built without sustainable water systems in place.”
In addition to this investment, the government announced an additional $250 million for the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and is now accepting applications for a second round of funding. Of this, $120 million will be dedicated to small, rural, and northern municipalities that lack specific housing targets. Ontario’s 2024 budget also includes more than $1.8 billion in housing-enabling infrastructure funding, part of the $825 million Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the $1 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
Brampton leaders are optimistic about the transformative impact of this funding on the city’s housing and economic landscape. Charmaine Williams, MPP for Brampton Centre, remarked, “The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program are crucial parts of our government’s ambitious $190 billion capital plan. By investing in key local infrastructure, we’re not only accelerating home construction but also supporting our growing communities and laying a strong foundation for future generations.”
Amarjot Sandhu, MPP for Brampton West, underscored the critical nature of these investments: “Access to clean water and effective wastewater systems are essential foundations for building thriving communities. This significant investment of up to $29.7 million in Brampton’s water infrastructure is a critical step toward unlocking the potential for 12,900 new homes in our city. By enhancing our infrastructure, we are supporting Brampton’s growth and ensuring our residents have the resources they need for a prosperous future.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown praised the partnership between the city and the province: “This funding is a game-changer for Brampton. The Riverwalk project, enabled by these investments, will not only reduce flood risks but also create the infrastructure needed to build new homes and spur economic growth. I want to thank Premier Ford and the provincial government for their continued support in making Brampton a better place to live and invest in.”
This investment marks a crucial step in ensuring Brampton’s infrastructure can support its rapidly growing population, while also contributing to Ontario’s broader efforts to address the housing crisis and promote economic development.