Ontario Investing $38,680,354 for Critical Water Infrastructure in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
February 3, 2026
Funding will support housing, jobs and economic growth
NEWS
February 3rd , 2026
RENFREW-NIPISSING-PEMBROKE — Today, MPP Denault announced the Ontario government is
investing up to $38,680,354 to expand and rehabilitate water infrastructure in Pembroke, Whitewater
Region, Bonnechere Valley and Renfrew. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing
Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has increased by
$700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation
and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“A combined investment of more than $38.5 million through the Housing Enabling Water Systems
Fund’s Health and Safety Stream for communities like Whitewater, Bonnechere Valley, Renfrew, and
Pembroke will go a long way toward maintaining critical infrastructure across our riding. Through
ongoing advocacy with our municipal partners, these investments in water and wastewater systems
will protect existing homes and help unlock future growth. I want to congratulate our municipal
partners and thank the Ministry of Infrastructure and Acting Minister Todd McCarthy for their
commitment to the Ottawa Valley.”
— Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke
The MHIP-HSWS funding will be used in Pembroke, Whitewater Region, Renfrew, and Bonnechere
Valley to help maintain essential infrastructure, support housing-enabling growth, and ensure
residents continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water, today and for generations to come.
“Water is critical to all communities, and we are thrilled this funding will support the City of Pembroke
to protect the drinking water network for years to come, as well as allow for future growth both here
and in Laurentian Valley. This project addresses the existing water storage deficit, aligns with
provincial guidelines, protects current homes, and removes barriers on approved housing units
allowing for residential development. Working with both the Township of Laurentian Valley and the
Province of Ontario to make this happen demonstrates the power of partnership and the good that we
can bring to our communities through those partnerships. We are very pleased with the relationship
with our neighbouring municipality and the announcement from the Province of Ontario.”
— Ron Gervais, Mayor of Pembroke
“As a Township, securing more than $4 million in provincial investment for the Cobden Water
Treatment Plant is a major achievement and a testament to the hard work of our staff. This funding
allows Whitewater Region to address longstanding health and safety upgrades while avoiding the
significant rate increases that would have otherwise been necessary. To be clear, water rates will not
be going down; however, this investment will directly stabilize longterm costs and protect residents
from additional financial pressure. Our priority remains ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for
households and future growth, and this provincial support allows us to move forward responsibly.”
— Neil Nicholson, Mayor of Whitewater
“This funding through Ontario’s Health and Safety Water Stream is a significant investment in the
health & safety of Renfrew’s Drinking Water System, and for the future of the Town of Renfrew.
Reliable and safe drinking water infrastructure is essential to protecting our residents, supporting
existing neighbourhoods, and preparing our community for future growth. For rural communities like
Renfrew, with a smaller utility user base, provincial support is critical to helping municipalities fund
necessary infrastructure upgrades that would otherwise be difficult to undertake. On behalf of
Council, I’d like to thank the Province of Ontario for this support, which will help ensure our critical
infrastructure continues to meet the needs of our community for years to come.”
— Tom Sydney, Mayor of Renfrew
“In recent years, the charm and quiet lifestyle of rural villages like Eganville have attracted people
from larger city centres to relocate to the region. With more than 100 new homes currently in different
stages of development, and a growing population of more than 1,000 people, Eganville’s
infrastructure needs to be upgraded to match this growth. Bonnechere Valley is taking a proactive
approach to expand capacity for residential growth with this project that includes installation of new
watermains, storm and sanitary lines along John Street which connects to Highway 41 and Queen
Street. In some areas, crews will replace underground infrastructure that is nearly 50 years old. This
will add capacity to the system and improve overall service for current residents. Access to funding
sources like the Health and Safety Water Stream enables municipalities like Bonnechere Valley to
proactively invest in infrastructure projects that support the growth and vitality of communities. We are
very excited to finally be able to announce this provincial funding along with our neighbours across
Renfrew County.”
— Jennifer Murphy, Warden of County of Renfrew, Mayor of Bonnechere Valley
This funding is part of a historic investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure
Program (MHIP), included in Ontario’s $220 billion capital plan, the most ambitious in the province’s
history, to build transit, highways, hospitals, schools and water infrastructure that enables new
housing.
“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,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “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. Our investments will
deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity
across Ontario.”
QUICK FACTS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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MEDIA CONTACT
For additional information, please contact:
Krystal Moreau, Constituency Assistant
Office of Billy Denault, MPP
613-735-6627
krystal.moreau@pc.ola.org