Ontario Investing Over $22 Million in LaSalle to Build More Homes

By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

The Ontario government is investing $22,424,688 in water infrastructure to support the construction of approximately 10,000 new homes in LaSalle. The announcement was made at the LaSalle Civic Centre. Funding is being provided through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), a part of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP).

“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is investing in the future for the people of Ontario by doubling down on our plan to build,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “With our additional investments in the MHIP, we’re unlocking more housing and building critical infrastructure that will protect communities, keep workers on the job, and lay the groundwork for a stronger economy.”

LaSalle will use the funding for the Howard Bouffard Stormwater Infrastructure project, a critical step in supporting growth and development in the community.

“LaSalle has been approved to receive more than $22 million through Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund—one of, if not the largest grant in our town’s history,” said LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche. “This investment is a significant step forward as we continue to grow, ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to support both new and existing residents. It also helps us meet provincial housing goals while making sure growth happens in a responsible and sustainable way. On behalf of Council and the residents of LaSalle, I want to sincerely thank Minister Surma and MPP Leardi for their support and advocacy. Their commitment is helping us build a stronger, more vibrant LaSalle for generations to come.”

The MHIP is part of the government’s plan to safeguard Ontario’s future, with historic investments in housing and community infrastructure. It supports municipalities in providing essential infrastructure—such as roads and water systems—to establish a foundation for new homes across the province.

With this round of funding, approximately 800,000 homes in Ontario have been enabled through the MHIP. Investing in local infrastructure is part of the province’s more than $200 billion capital plan to develop and enhance transit, highways, hospitals, schools, and other essential public infrastructure, while boosting the economy for the future.

“We’ve been talking for years about the Howard-Bouffard plan, and that’s really the next area of growth for LaSalle,” added Mayor Meloche. “This investment finally opens that up for us.”