The Ontario government is investing $30 million to expand wastewater treatment capacity in Ramara, a project the province says will support housing growth, protect Lake Simcoe and help ease pressure on local taxpayers.
Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, Todd McCarthy, says the funding is part of more than $532 million the province says has been committed to municipal infrastructure projects across Simcoe County, including Barrie and Orillia.
McCarthy told Barrie 360 the investment is aimed at helping municipalities accommodate rapid population growth while maintaining critical infrastructure.
“We need to invest in the infrastructure in our municipalities and First Nations communities,” he said. “It’s not just enabling new housing, it’s also supporting existing housing when it comes to investing in water and wastewater systems, bridges and roads.”
The project will expand sewage treatment capacity in the village of Brechin, which the province says will open the door to future residential development in the area.
“This investment is helping communities like Ramara move forward with essential infrastructure upgrades,” said Jill Dunlop, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North. “By supporting projects like this, we are protecting public health, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to grow.”
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
McCarthy said provincial funding helps municipalities complete major infrastructure projects without placing the full cost on residents.
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid,” he said when asked how much more taxpayers might have to pay without provincial support. “We don’t want to burden our citizens and residents with unnecessary taxation.”
As Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, McCarthy said protecting Lake Simcoe remains a top priority.
“Strong environmental stewardship is good economic policy,” he said. “We can build the Ontario of tomorrow while protecting our shared environment.”
The province says the investment is being delivered through several funding streams, including the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Building Faster Fund.
Construction is underway, with local officials saying the upgrades will help ensure Ramara has the infrastructure needed to support growth for decades to come.
