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Housing needs dominate municipal election discussion across northwestern Ontario

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Housing, affordability, economic development, and infrastructure have dominated candidate debates across northwestern Ontario over the past month.

Housing has long been an issue for the region.

The lack of affordable housing is seen as a barrier to economic development, employment, and retaining a declining, aging population.

Some mayoral and councillor candidates seeking election in this month’s municipal elections are offering their support to help with projects such as large apartment or housing subdivisions.

Others want to see derelict or empty lots made available sooner for new homes.

There are projects planned for many communities, including Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Ignace.

Some have also put in place Community Improvement Plans that offer incentives and tax breaks to encourage development.

Taxes are another issue that remains high on the candidates’ minds.

Faced with rising costs of their own, municipalities have struggled to keep taxes as low as possible while maintaining services.

Some have indicated that those efforts are becoming increasingly challenging with higher policing costs.

Many candidates have stated their desire to keep municipal budgets in check and avoid unnecessary or major projects unless required.

Some of those projects are related to infrastructure.

Many communities in northwestern Ontario face aging infrastructure and peg replacement costs in the 10s of millions of dollars as roads, sewer and water lines, and buildings continue to deteriorate.

Some candidates say addressing the deficit is necessary to spur economic development.

The dependence on the forest industry has diminished for many communities who are now looking at other ventures to bolster their tax base.

Green energy projects, such as solar farms and battery storage units, have become vogue for some.

There is also increased mining activity that, if successful in developing into mineral production, could help create new jobs and attract families to the region.

Dr. Georges‑L.‑Dumont University Hospital Centre.

Infrastructure investments for N.B., starting at Dumont Hospital

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A new bilateral infrastructure agreement means $461 million invested in priority projects in New Brunswick.

The deal between the federal and provincial governments includes $155 million for health-related infrastructure.

Moncton’s Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre will get the first bit of the health-care funding.

According to a press release from the Department of Health, $25.7 million will be spent for endoscopy modernization and expansion, as well as $1 million for planning activities to support a broader redevelopment concept and future infrastructure requirements.

“New Brunswickers deserve to get the right care, in the right place, when they need it,” Premier Susan Holt said in a statement.

“That means making sure our health-care teams have the facilities and equipment they need to provide that care.”

The president and CEO of Vitalité Health Network praised the investment in the Dumont.

“The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre plays an essential role in the delivery of specialized care in New Brunswick and in training the next generation of health-care professionals,” said Dr. France Desrosiers.

“These investments will support the transformation of our infrastructure to improve care environments, increase our capacity and better meet the growing needs of the population.”

Federal Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the agreement marks an important step in building infrastructure New Brunswick needs, and not just in health care.

“Canada and New Brunswick are making strategic investments that will help unlock new housing, strengthen post-secondary education and support modern, reliable health infrastructure,” LeBlanc said.

The money comes from the Build Communities Strong Fund, announced in the 2025 federal budget.

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Hampton eyes infrastructure upgrades to support 1,800 new housing units

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The town of Hampton is hoping to secure funding for infrastructure upgrades to support the addition of about 1,800 housing units over the next 20 years.

Last week, council approved an application for nearly $2.4 million through the Canada Infrastructure Fund.

Mayor Robert Doucet says the funding would help upgrade and expand the capacity of the lagoon treatment facility and sanitary sewer main.

“We’ve been looking at the lagoon and the sewer system for a while now, and we realized some upgrades needed to happen because we are growing fairly rapidly,” he explained.

According to a staff report, over the past five years the town has seen sustained growth and expanding residential development, which has led to the review of housing needs and strategic plans.

In 2023, Dillon Consulting completed a Housing Needs Assessment for Hampton, which determined that the municipality will have a housing gap of 623 to 1,273 units over the next 25 years.

This highlighted a need for more housing in municipal serviced areas to support higher densities, such as semi-detached, townhouses, and multi-unit dwellings, reducing the land area needed for housing supply.

Staff proposed three projects to increase the number of units serviced by the infrastructure and prevent bottlenecks if the town’s population grows too rapidly.

The town is looking to upgrade the lagoon treatment facility aeration system to accommodate approximately 1,200 new housing units, upgrade the sewer main from the Lagoon to Main Street to add capacity for an additional 400 housing units, and extend the sewer line from Villa Drive to Hall Road to support about 200 new housing units.

Proposed sewer extension. PHOTO: Town of Hampton/submitted.

Combined, the total costs of the projects amount to $2.25 million, plus a $125,000 contingency for rising costs and engagement.

If the funding is approved, the federal government would cover 50 per cent of the costs, the provincial government 33 per cent, and the municipality 17 per cent.

Doucet said there are no current issues with the infrastructure, but the town wants to be prepared for the future.

He added that the town already has a proposed housing development in the works, which officials hope to accommodate through the new infrastructure.

“Where some development is going to be coming, we just need to get ready for those developments and make sure that they can hook up to our sewer system,” he said. “We just want to make sure we can handle it all.”

The staff report said the lagoon upgrades are planned for 2027, while both of the sewer main changes are planned for 2028-2030.

Rick Dumas NOMA 2026

NOMA President: $1B housing infrastructure investment a “major milestone” for NWO

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Earlier this week, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a $1 billion investment to help rural municipalities expand housing infrastructure to accommodate growth.

The funds are eligible for municipalities that do not levy development charges, meaning the municipality does not charge builders a fee when new homes or developments are constructed.

While larger Ontario municipalities often rely on those charges to finance growth-related infrastructure, many smaller and northern communities do not.

Eligible projects include roads, bridges and water systems. The funding is being provided through the $8.8-billion Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, which was announced in March 2026.

“We were really excited when the government announced the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, but we didn’t hear anything about what would happen with the smaller northern and rural municipalities in Ontario,” said Rick Dumas, mayor of Marathon and president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipalities Association. “So this is great news. We’re looking forward to seeing some real investments in the communities of northwestern Ontario.”

Dumas said applications are expected to open toward the end of October, with municipalities eligible to receive up to $20 million each.

“This is a major milestone in regards to getting pipes in the ground, lights turned on, roads, sidewalks and developing the infrastructure we all need,” he said.

Ontario is contributing $500 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, while the federal government is matching that investment with $500 million through the Build Communities Strong Fund’s provincial and territorial stream.

The funding can be used both to repair aging infrastructure and build new systems needed to accommodate future development.

“Rural Ontario is ready to grow, and our members have big plans for their communities. But the dual challenge of renewing aging infrastructure and building for growth can make it hard to keep pace. This funding will help rural municipalities make the investments needed to support their communities today and prepare for the opportunities ahead,” said Christa Lowry, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Chair.

According to a federal news release, the partnership works in tandem with Ontario’s expanded HST relief on new homes. Together, the initiatives are expected to cut homeownership costs by as much as $200,000 for buyers in certain parts of the province.

“This is about affordable housing. We want to attract not only the people who can fill the jobs we need filled in northwestern Ontario, but really bring ambassadors to the region who may be living in more expensive places in southern Ontario and want to have a better quality of life,” Dumas said.

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$25M Elmwood Drive upgrade to support new Moncton housing

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More than $25 million from all three levels of government will expand sewer and stormwater systems on Elmwood Drive and help support new housing growth in Moncton.

The federal government is contributing $9.6 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The New Brunswick Regional Development Corporation is investing nearly $8 million, and the City of Moncton is adding more than $7.5 million.

Moncton Mayor Shawn Crossman said the area has been growing quickly and the project has been discussed for years.

“This is an extremely rapid growing area of our city, and how to improve traffic flow, how to improve safety along Elmwood Drive and how to bring more homes,” he said.

Supports up to 1,300 new homes

The upgrades will support the development of up to 1,300 new housing units. Crossman said the added capacity is important for meeting demand.

“This is a very important housing demand for Moncton. 1,300 additional homes is very positive for our future growth,” he said.

The project also includes widening Elmwood Drive to four lanes and adding a multi‑purpose trail. Crossman said the changes will improve safety and daily life for people in the area.

“More importantly, this is focused on safety… putting a multi‑use trail on the park side allows people to enjoy nature,” he said.

Crossman said the city’s contribution reflects its long‑term vision for the neighbourhood.

“This shows people who want to invest in the city of Moncton that they have a willing partner at City Hall that’s willing to invest,” he said.

He added that the project has been a long time coming.

“One reason why I ran back in 2012 as a city councillor for Ward 1 was flooding issues along Elmwood Drive. I’m really excited to be able to sit here as mayor… to know that a lot of my work… has paid off to today’s signing,” he said.

Federal MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor said the upgrades will help unlock new housing opportunities and strengthen the community.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said the province’s contribution supports long‑term housing development across New Brunswick.

The work is part of broader federal efforts to increase housing supply and modernize infrastructure through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

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Municipality of Shelburne completes $600,000 sewage upgrade

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The Municipality of Shelburne has improved its sewage infrastructure. 

Work has been completed at the Sandy Point Sewage Treatment Facility.

Upgrades include a new electronic septage receiving station, and a new polishing wetland.

In a post on Facebook, the Municipality said they’re happy to announce the significant upgrades, and that the changes will help improve environmental sustainability, enhance tracking abilities and increase efficiency. 

They say the project is valued at approximately $600,000, and was made possible through funding support from the Municipal Capital Growth Program, the Sustainable Services Growth Fund and the Municipality of Shelburne itself.

a manhole cover in the ground surrounded by rocks

Nearly $9M for water infrastructure in four N.B. communities

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Three levels of government announced a major investment in water-related infrastructure recently.

More than $8.84 million will be put into water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure projects to support housing development and improve municipal services in Harvey, Sussex, St. Stephen and Grand Lake.

“New Brunswick’s rural communities are eager to build more housing, and investing in essential infrastructure is a critical first step to achieving this goal,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

LePage said the improved infrastructure will also strengthen essential services and allow for stronger, more sustainable communities.

Wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Harvey will be expanded to enable the construction of up to 100 new homes. Lagoon capacity will be increased, as well.

In Sussex, a new wellfield will strengthen the town’s water supply system.

New municipal services and road infrastructure in St. Stephen will support the construction of 108 homes, including 10 affordable units.

In Grand Lake, water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure will support the development of 21 affordable housing units.

“Behind every thriving community in New Brunswick is reliable water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure that supports residents, businesses and future growth,” said federal Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The provincial government, through the Regional Development Corporation, is contributing $2.9 million toward the projects, while the federal government is investing more than $4.3 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The municipalities are also contributing to their respective projects.

Sussex Mayor Marc Thorne said reliable water infrastructure is a important piece for the town to grow responsibly.

St. Stephen Mayor Steve Backman said his town is grateful for the partnership from the provincial and federal governments.

“This investment is about more than infrastructure,” Backman said. “It’s about creating opportunities for families, supporting new housing and building a stronger future for St. Stephen.”

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$3-million bridge upgrade to begin this summer

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A bridge in Shelburne is getting a $3-million upgrade.

According to the Municipality of Shelburne, the Jordan River Trail Bridge will be under construction during the summer and fall months as it is being updated to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, and off road vehicles.

Timber Restoration Services won the design-build tender and will be replacing the old steel bridge with a new timber bridge. The company will also be updating and reusing the piers and abutments.

The municipality says the new bridge will provide a key connection in the local and regional trail system, and should benefit Shelburne and surrounding areas.

The project is being supported by the Municipality of Shelburne, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Nova Scotia and the Off Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (OHVIF).

Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2026.

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Water service interruption planned in Port Hawkesbury

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Residents in parts of Port Hawkesbury are being advised to prepare for a temporary water service disruption while crews make infrastructure improvements.

On Friday, the town says customers on Pine Ridge Drive, Spruce Street, Aspen Court, and Chiavari Close will be affected by the interruption, which is expected to last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Town officials are encouraging residents in those areas to store enough water in advance for drinking and cooking while service is unavailable.

Once water service is restored, some customers may notice reduced water pressure or slight discolouration. The town recommends running cold water until it clears before using it.

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Haven’t filled out the Census? Statistics Canada warns of possible $500 fine

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Statistics Canada is contacting households that have not yet completed this year’s Census, reminding residents that failing to do so could result in a fine.

Under the Statistics Act, anyone who refuses or neglects to complete the Census may face a penalty of up to $500.

To encourage participation and help residents comply, Statistics Canada has hired thousands of surveyors to follow up with households by phone. Surveyors are able to assist residents with completing the questionnaire.

In addition to phone calls, surveyors will also be going door‑to‑door in communities to provide in‑person support.

Statistics Canada says millions of households have already completed the Census online, by phone, or on paper.

The information collected is used to help guide decisions on government programs, services, and infrastructure in communities across the country.

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