Ground was broken this week on a new critical water infrastructure project in the Township of West Lincoln. The upgrades will occur on Regional Road 20 and Wade Road, from South Grimsby Road 5 to the Wade Road pedestrian bridge in Smithville.
The new project marks the beginning of essential watermain and sanitary sewer upgrades in Smithville, which will help unlock 2,100 new homes in West Lincoln.
Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-November and wrap up by June 2026.
Provincial funding for the project – amounting to $3.9 million – came through the second intake of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes a total of $325 million “to help municipalities build, repair, rehabilitate, and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure across Ontario.”
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff was on hand for the announcement.
“This provincial support through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund for West Lincoln will help unlock the construction of up to 2,100 future new homes in Smithville,” said Oosterhoff.
“This funding also means municipal rate payers will not be required to carry the burden of new infrastructure – keeping more money in the pockets of residents of West Lincoln.”
The project itself includes the replacement and expansion of key sections of watermain and sanitary sewer infrastructure to support both existing residents and new development needs.
Cheryl Ganann, Mayor of the Township of West Lincoln, was on hand for the announcement too.
“This investment is a key step in supporting the long-term growth strategy of West Lincoln,” said Ganann. “By upgrading critical water and wastewater infrastructure, we are ensuring that new development happens in a responsible and sustainable way that balances housing targets with the capacity of our services.”
Frank Tassone, Director of Transportation Services for Niagara Region, weighed in as well.
“Niagara Region is a proud partner in this project that will provide important and reliable infrastructure that supports key growth areas across the region such as the growing municipality of Smithville,” said Tassone.
“We continue our commitment to building safe and reliable infrastructure, including water/wastewater and transportation needs, to ensure residents benefit from balanced, efficient and sustainable development in Niagara.”
According to the Township of West Lincoln, efforts are expected to be made to minimize traffic and service disruptions in the area. Residents can see updates and project details the region’s project details page.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
