January 8th, 2025, Ajax, ON — The Ontario government is investing $278,312 in Ajax to support the construction of new homes. This funding is part of the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate, and expand drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The investment will aid in rehabilitating the Nottingham South (Bradbury) Pond on Rossland Road, east of Westney.
“The province’s investment in Ajax and the Durham Region will provide critical upgrades to stormwater management, ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to support the growth of our community,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “Thanks to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, municipalities across Ontario will be equipped with the resources needed to address the growing demand for affordable housing units in Ajax and across the Durham Region.”
This first round of investments will facilitate the construction of approximately half a million housing units in 60 municipalities across Ontario. The government has also allocated an additional $250 million for a second round of applications through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, increasing the province’s total investment in the fund to $1.2 billion.
“By investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities and connecting pipes to land, we are helping municipalities build more homes,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Homes can’t be built without connections to drinking water and wastewater.”
The government is investing nearly $2 billion in housing-enabling infrastructure through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP). This funding complements ongoing provincial investments in housing and community-enabling infrastructure, including the Building Faster Fund.
Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax
QUICK FACTS: The Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program will support core infrastructure projects that help enable housing, such as roads and water infrastructure. Investing in key local infrastructure through programs like the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program is part of the province’s capital plan of over $190 billion to build critical infrastructure and get more homes built faster to support growing communities and lay a strong foundation for future generations.
QUOTES: “On behalf of Ajax Council, I’d like to thank the provincial government for contributing to the rehabilitation of Nottingham South Pond (Bradbury Pond). Stormwater ponds are important to protecting neighbourhoods and greenspaces from flooding. This investment of $278,312 from the province will not only bring this pond into conformity but also support new housing units in our community.” – Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax
“Drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure is essential to our growing communities, and homes cannot be built without these systems. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for its vital infrastructure investments across Durham Region, through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, that are unlocking more housing for Durham residents.” – John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham
“Investing in critical infrastructure, such as water and stormwater systems, is vital to supporting growth in Ajax and across the Durham Region. With the region’s population expected to double by 2051, this investment is more important than ever. The Province of Ontario’s support through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund empowers municipalities to develop the infrastructure needed to expand housing options, because you can’t build homes without access to clean water and essential services.” – Dave Barton, Mayor of Uxbridge and Chair, Works Committee
