Ontario Investing $29,999,999 for Critical Water Infrastructure in the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation

February 19, 2026

Funding will support housing, jobs and economic growth

GAKIJIWANONG ANISHINAABE NATION — Today, MPP Greg Rickford announced the Ontario government is investing up to $29,999,999 for upgrades to the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation Water Treatment Plant. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

“This expanded funding for critical water infrastructure will contribute to strengthening the safety and reliability of water services in Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “The Health and Safety Water Stream is ensuring the safety, functionality and longevity of the water of the treatment plants that community members in Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation rely on, today and into the future.”

The MHIP-HSWS funding will be used in the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation to begin construction on the new water treatment plant to exceed drinking water standards, treat source water and support the community’s growth plans.

“Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe is thrilled to receive funding from the Health and Safety Water Stream to fund a new Water Treatment Plant. We are excited to work with Ontario, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Health and Safety Water Stream on this important project. This work will improve the lives of our members in the resolution of a long-term boil water advisory and in providing the opportunity to drink safe tap water.” Chief Carrie Atatise- Norwegian, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation

This funding is part of a historic investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), included in Ontario’s $220 billion capital plan, the most ambitious in the province’s history, to build transit, highways, hospitals, schools and water infrastructure that enables new housing.

“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities. Our investments will deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”

QUICK FACTS
• In August 2025, Ontario increased the MHIP to $4 billion to speed up construction of homes and core infrastructure, such as roads and water systems. Since its launch in 2024, the MHIP has made about 800,000 more new homes possible.
• The MHIP is comprised of four funding streams: the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing (HECS) Stream, the Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS) and the Agriculture and Irrigation Stream.
• In January 2025, Ontario announced an initial investment of $175 million to launch the HSWS.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Ontario Investing $1.6 Billion in Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
• Ontario Getting Homes and Infrastructure Built Faster and Smarter
• Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
• Health and Safety Water Stream