Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system

Ontario investing $9.6 million in the Township of Russell to enhance the water and storm system, promote growth, and enable housing

Embrun — The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million in water infrastructure in Embrun, enabling growth and new housing opportunities that will help meet provincial and federal housing targets, while supporting Russell Township’s commitment to sustainable, well-managed development. The funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), a stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP).

“This investment is about more than infrastructure. It is about supporting the families of Russell Township and preparing our community for the future. By upgrading the water and storm systems, we are laying the foundation for new homes while protecting the quality of life that residents value so much. These improvements will not only support growth but also ensure that our community remains safe, resilient, and ready for generations to come.” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell.

The funding will allow Embrun to rebuild storm sewers and install a new watermain along approximately 2.5 kilometres of Notre-Dame Street, stretching from the roundabout at Notre-Dame and St-Guillaume eastward. This project will strengthen the water and stormwater systems, support community growth, and pave the way for new housing. 

“This historic $9.6 million investment through the Housing-Enabling Water System Fund is a clear recognition from the province of the importance of this project to our community and our region. It also reflects their confidence in the collaborative approach we've taken with the United Counties—working together to ensure our infrastructure is strong, resilient, and ready for the future. This is about maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect, through careful planning that reflects the character of our community. It’s a proud moment for Russell Township, and a strong example of how leadership and partnership can deliver real, lasting value.” said Mike Tarnowski, Mayor of the Township of Russell.

“The UCPR is proud to be part of this three-way collaboration with the Province and Russell Township. The challenges related to funding infrastructure projects are numerous, and it is thanks to such provincial investments that we are able to carry out this important project for our community.” declared Yves Laviolette, 2025 Warden of the United Counties of Prescott-Russell.

The MHIP is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and includes historic investments in housing and community-enabling infrastructure that will help municipalities deliver the core infrastructure needed, such as roads and water systems, to lay the foundation for new homes in communities across the province.

This round of funding brings the total number of homes enabled in Ontario through the MHIP to about 800,000. Investing in local infrastructure is part of the province’s more than $200 billion capital plan to build and improve transit, highways, hospitals, schools and other critical public infrastructure, while strengthening the economy for the future.

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Media Contact
Noémie Prevost
Office Manager and Communications Coordinator
Office of MPP Stéphane Sarrazin
613-677-8347
Noemie.prevost@pc.ola.org