Niagara communities stand to benefit as the Ontario government adds $1.6 billion to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, bringing the fund’s total to $4 billion. The program supports municipalities with the water, roads, and servicing projects needed to unlock new housing.
The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference. He said the investment is aimed at keeping housing attainable while creating jobs across the province.
“We are making record investments in housing and infrastructure so we can keep workers on the job and help families across the province find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” said Ford. “Working with our municipal partners, we are going to keep lowering costs, investing in infrastructure and cutting red tape so we can keep the dream of homeownership alive in Ontario.”
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff said the expansion comes on the heels of a major local commitment. “Having just announced $94 million in record provincial funding for Niagara through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program last week, the provincial investment announced today makes it clear that our government – under the leadership for Premier Ford – is serious about building critical infrastructure to protect Ontario,” Oosterhoff said.
“This investment will help build more housing to make the dream of home ownership a reality for young people, across the province, and here in Niagara.”
The province has also directed $82 million toward agricultural infrastructure in Niagara and Leamington, including irrigation and water systems to support the agri-food sector. In addition, $400 million has been committed to water infrastructure projects that will enable 86,000 new homes province-wide.
Since launching in 2024, the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program has helped municipalities move forward on 800,000 homes. The program works in tandem with the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities that meet or exceed housing targets.
“This additional $1.6 billion investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program will help communities across Ontario build the infrastructure they need to unlock more housing and support economic growth,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “In the face of unwarranted American tariffs, our government is doubling down on our plan to build and investing more than $200 billion through our capital plan to protect Ontario by getting shovels in the ground faster on the projects that matter most.”
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack added: “For far too long, too many families, first-time home buyers, and seniors have been priced out of the market. Our government recognizes that this must change. Today’s investment is part of our plan to use every tool in our toolbox to bring costs down and builds upon recent initiatives such as the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act.”
With record provincial funding flowing into the region, Niagara municipalities will have expanded resources to tackle infrastructure gaps that have slowed new home construction. Local leaders expect the funds to accelerate projects that connect new housing developments to water, sewer, and road systems—key steps in addressing the region’s housing shortage.
