MPP Oosterhoff Delivers Nearly $44 Million to Rehabilitate Aging Water Infrastructure in Niagara
May 7, 2026
Thorold – The Ontario government is investing nearly $44 million to help rehabilitate drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Niagara. The funding is being delivered through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream and will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“By upgrading and expanding critical water infrastructure in Niagara, our government is helping to ensure safe and reliable services across our region, while at the same time creating jobs and driving economic growth,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“This latest investment of nearly $44 million in Niagara is part of $272.5 million in provincial infrastructure investments across our local communities since 2024, representing one of the largest infrastructure commitments in Niagara’s history, supporting families and businesses for the future.”
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Hon. Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
“Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving communities, including those across the Niagara Region, the help they need to deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.”
The Regional Municipality of Niagara is receiving $24.5 million for primary treatment upgrades to the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant, while the City of St. Catharines is receiving $3.8 million for the Martindale Pond Weir Rehabilitation Project, City of Welland is receiving $10.7 million to renew Broadway Area Sanitary, Water and Storm Infrastructure, and Town of Fort Erie is receiving $4.5 million to replace an existing watermain along Colony Road, Windmill Point Lane and Staniland Park Road.
Minister McCarthy and MPP Oosterhoff were joined at Niagara Region Headquarters in Thorold by Brian Grant, Acting Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara; Bill Phillips, Deputy Mayor of the City of St. Catharines; Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls; Frank Campion, Mayor of the City of Welland, and Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie, to announce the provincial funding.
In January 2025, Ontario announced an initial investment of $175 million to launch the Health and Safety Water Stream. With additional funding of $700 million announced in January 2026, Ontario’s investment in the Health and Safety Water Stream totals $875 million.
“This investment strengthens the foundations of our communities,” said Brian Grant, Acting Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“It means safer, more reliable drinking water for residents, modern infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather and the capacity our municipalities need to grow. But just as importantly, this is an investment in Niagara’s economic future.”
“Investments in core water infrastructure are critical to keeping our communities safe and resilient,” said Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines.
“The rehabilitation of the Martindale Pond Weir will help protect surrounding areas, maintain water levels in the pond and preserve an important part of the landscape of St. Catharines for years to come. We appreciate the Ontario government’s partnership in supporting infrastructure that strengthens communities across Niagara.”
“On behalf of the City of Welland, I want to thank the Ontario government for this significant investment in our community,” said Frank Campion, Mayor of the City of Welland.
“The $10.7 million in funding for water, sanitary and storm infrastructure renewal in the Broadway area will help us modernize essential systems, support new housing opportunities and ensure our residents continue to have access to safe and reliable services. As Welland continues to grow, partnerships like this are vital to building strong neighbourhoods and supporting the long-term prosperity of our city.”
“We are grateful for the Ontario government’s continued investment in Niagara Falls and the region’s wastewater infrastructure,” said Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls.
“This funding is critical in extending the life and addressing odour issues at our Stanley Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
“The Town of Fort Erie expresses its appreciation to the Ontario government for this important investment,” said Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie.
“This funding will enable critical upgrades to our local water infrastructure, essential for delivering safe, reliable services today while preparing our community for continued growth tomorrow. Provincial support like this allows us to upgrade vital water systems, manage responsible development, meet the needs of our residents and businesses and safeguard the long-term health of Fort Erie.”
Since 2024, Ontario has invested more than $272.5 million across Niagara through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, as well as Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and Building Faster Fund, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region’s history. This includes $41 million for irrigation funding to support hundreds of farms, protecting local tender fruit, grape, greenhouse and nursery sectors.