Photo courtesy of: https://www.selwyntownship.ca/
The Ontario government is investing up to $1,378,504 to rehabilitate aging water infrastructure in Selwyn Township, a move local and provincial officials say will support housing growth and improve long-term system reliability.
The funding, announced Friday by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream. The stream was recently increased by $700 million, bringing the total to $875 million to support safe drinking water, housing development and community resilience.
The investment will fund rehabilitation work along George Street in the Village of Lakefield, including upgrades to the watermain and trunk sewer.
“This investment of over $1.3 million is a critical step in ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of water services for the residents of Lakefield,” Smith said in a statement. “By rehabilitating the George Street watermain and trunk sewer, we are not only addressing aging infrastructure but also creating the capacity needed to support new housing and economic growth in Selwyn. Our government remains committed to providing our municipal partners with the tools they need to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
According to the province, the project will include replacing a section of aging watermain to increase water flow, improve fire protection and strengthen overall system reliability. New sanitary sewer infrastructure will also be installed to help accommodate planned housing growth in the area.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026. The work will involve excavation, pipe replacement, service reconnections and full roadway restoration along the affected corridor.
Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis said the funding will help the municipality address long-standing infrastructure needs while preparing for future development.
“This funding represents a major investment in the long-term sustainability and livability of our community,” Senis said. “By modernizing critical infrastructure along the George Street corridor, we are proactively addressing capacity challenges, strengthening system resilience, and ensuring Lakefield is well positioned to support planned growth.”
She added that projects like the George Street rehabilitation protect public health and enhance service reliability for current residents while laying the groundwork for new housing.
The Selwyn project is part of Ontario’s broader $4-billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, included in the province’s $220-billion capital plan aimed at expanding transit, highways, hospitals, schools and water infrastructure to enable housing construction.
“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” Acting Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy said in a statement. “Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities.”
Provincial officials say the upgrades in Lakefield will help ensure safe, dependable drinking water and wastewater services while positioning the township for long-term growth.
