City secures approval for Housing-Enabling Water System Fund application

The City of Cambridge is pleased to announce the approval of its application for the Ontario Government’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), to support critical water system upgrades in the community.

The HEWF will provide the City with $2.067 million to improve water infrastructure in the Hespeler area as part of the Queen Street West project, ensuring the needs of a growing community are met, while supporting sustainable development.

“We are appreciative of this investment to help support the reconstruction of Queen Street West which is critical in enabling growth and increasing housing density in the community,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Nearly 3,700 new housing units, including 1,886 shovel-ready units, will be created thanks to these essential infrastructure upgrades. It is investments like this that not only strengthen our infrastructure but also support the development and future of Cambridge as a vibrant, growing city.”

The project will focus on increasing water capacity and storm drainage improvements in the immediate project area.  It’s currently in its design phase which will continue through 2025 with construction set to begin in summer 2026.  Advancing the project to 2026 allows the City to capitalize on this funding opportunity, which covers 73% of the total estimated project cost of $3.2 million.

 “This investment in critical water infrastructure is a key step toward ensuring Cambridge can meet the needs of a growing community,’ said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South-Hespeler. “By enabling the creation of new housing, projects like this help young people and families access the homes they need, right here in their community. It’s about building opportunities for the next generation to thrive right here at home.”

The (HEWSF) helps municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate, and expand critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to help create more housing options, protect communities, and support the province’s growing population.

These improvements align with the City’s commitment to sustainability, economic growth and efforts to increase housing supply as outlined in the Strategic Plan – Cambridge Connected.

Visit engagewr.ca/cambridge to learn more about the Queen Street West project.

Learn more about the HEWSF at the Ontario Government website.