By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Municipality of Lakeshore has received a historic $32.3‑million grant from the Government of Ontario to support critical upgrades to its wastewater infrastructure, helping pave the way for thousands of new homes. The announcement was made earlier this month at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, where Mayor Tracey Bailey joined Essex MPP Anthony Leardi and members of Council and administration to celebrate the funding.
The grant, delivered through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (MHIP-HEWSF), marks one of the largest single investments in Lakeshore’s history—second only to the $36.8 million received from the Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund in March.
“This investment comes down to one thing: building more homes,” said MPP Leardi. “By supporting new housing in Lakeshore, the Ontario government is protecting our community and our workers, helping families put down roots and giving seniors the chance to remain close to their loved ones.”
Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized the broader impact of the project: “The County Road 22 Sanitary Sewer Expansion is part of our nearly $4 billion investment in critical infrastructure that will make new housing possible. For Lakeshore, this means enabling approximately 2,500 new homes.”
Mayor Bailey expressed gratitude for the provincial support and highlighted the long-term benefits for residents. “This investment will ensure we can meet the infrastructure needs of our communities today, and well into the future,” she said. “Whether you’re a senior looking to downsize, or a new family looking for more space, this funding will help improve access to a wide variety of housing options for the next generation of Lakeshore residents.”
The grant will fund the implementation of Lakeshore’s Water and Wastewater Master Plan (Conveyance Group 2), which includes:
4.3 kilometers of new trunk sewer along County Road 22, from Rourke Line Road to Old Tecumseh Road.
Local sewer improvements: 700 meters along Puce Road, 400 meters along IC Roy Drive, 200 meters along Mancini Drive, and 200 meters along Poplar Drive.
Construction of new pump stations and upgrades to existing ones.
Mayor Bailey added, “We are grateful for the support from MPP Leardi and the Government of Ontario as we embark on the largest infrastructure project Lakeshore has ever seen. This grant demonstrates our continued commitment to working with other levels of government to achieve our shared goals.”
The announcement follows a record-setting year for Lakeshore, which has secured nearly $80 million in funding from upper levels of government in 2025 alone. Earlier this year, the municipality also received over $7 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and launched Lakeshore Horizons in partnership with the Centre for Cities at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law to guide future housing development.
“This project will leave a lasting legacy,” said Mayor Bailey. “It shows what’s possible when we find common ground and focus on solutions.”
