Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith joined Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey and McDougall Mayor Dale Robinson to announce a $14,682,125 investment into two water infrastructure projects
The Town of Parry Sound will receive $13,094,375 to make upgrades to Pumping Station #2 that will help unlock 2,441 housing units. This project will increase housing supply and support economic growth in the Parry Sound harbour area. The Municipality of McDougall will use $1,587,750 to replace an aging septic system that will unlock 16 housing units. This project will increase housing supply and support economic growth in the Crawford Subdivision.
“West Parry Sound is growing and the need for housing is critical to meet those needs,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith. “These two projects will help address some of those needs in McDougall and Parry Sound. I’m pleased to see our government investing in the West Parry Sound region so that it can reach its full potential.”
The funding is being delivered through the second intake of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes a total of $325 million to help municipalities build, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure across Ontario.
“Having a strong infrastructure foundation with connections to water systems is the first step in delivering the housing Ontario needs,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our government is making targeted investments through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to safeguard growing communities and ensure families and residents have access to safe and reliable water services.”
Through the second intake of HEWSF, the government is supporting 23 water infrastructure projects across the province. In total, Ontario is investing nearly $1.3 billion, through the first and second intakes of HEWSF, to support 77 water infrastructure projects that will help municipalities build approximately 600,000 new homes.
Smith’s office has also announced that the Ontario government is looking at ways to reduce the impacts of flooding in the Muskoka region. The Ministry of Natural Resources is assessing recommendations from the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative and considering potential water management plan amendments. This project will include a public engagement and consultation process to hear from interested parties in the watershed, including municipal partners and other dam owners.
“The Muskoka River watershed is one of our province’s treasures, contributing significantly to the local economy and serving as a thriving hub for Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Smith who is also the Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why we are working with the community and our partners to assess possible water management plan amendments that could further protect this important area.”
“We are further ahead in Muskoka than ever before in mapping and analyzing factors affecting flooding in the watershed,” said District Chair, Jeff Lehman. “However, the climate waits for nobody, and so we welcome the Minister’s commitment to reviewing the watershed management plan to work to prevent future flooding.”
With the Ontario election campaign underway, Smith issued the follow statement:
“My focus from Day 1 of having the immense honour of serving as your MPP has been to secure concrete, tangible results that improve the lives of the residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka.
With over $520 million in new funds secured since June of 2022 (not including the $1 billion for the two new hospitals), I hope you will agree that we’ve made excellent progress over the past few years. This week was particularly special for me as I was able to make several announcements that have been close to my heart from the beginning.
Four New Beds For Hospice Muskoka
Putting Muskoka Into Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Service Area
$14.6 Million for Infrastructure In West Parry Sound
Enhancing Watershed Management in Muskoka
On Monday, I confirmed that our government is funding 4 new beds for Andy’s House (Hospice Muskoka) in Port Carling. This more than doubles their current bed count. Between this investment and the many hundreds of thousands we’ve invested into Hospice Huntsville, Hospice West Parry Sound and Hospice Muskoka, for service and capital expansions, I’m proud of the government’s commitment to funding palliative care in small town Ontario.
Later on Monday, I was thrilled to announce that our government has restored Muskoka’s eligibility for the $110 million Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. This means that businesses, municipalities and community groups can now apply for funding through NOHFC. This is huge news that will have enormous benefit to our local economy and communities.
Today, I announced that two municipalities in West Parry Sound have been awarded approximately $14.6 million in new infrastructure funding. The Town of Parry Sound will receive approximately $13 million while McDougall will receive approximately $1.6 million to improve sewer and water infrastructure.
Lastly, I was pleased to announce that our government is taking action on watershed management in Muskoka to address issues related to flooding and water levels.
I remain committed to protecting our economy from President Trump’s tariff, making life more affordable, expanding access to healthcare and attracting investment that improves quality of life for everyone.
Sincerely,
Graydon
