City receives significant funding for water system upgrades

The City of Pembroke is receiving $28.7 million in provincial funding to make important upgrades to the water system and support future growth.

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announced the funding on behalf of Premier Doug Ford and Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy at Pembroke’s water treatment plant today, as part of a total of $38.6 million in projects across the riding being funded through the Province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream.

It is believed to be the single largest grant the City of Pembroke has ever received.

“[This investment] will go a long way toward maintaining critical infrastructure across our riding,” MPP Denault said. “Through ongoing advocacy with our municipal partners, these investments in water and wastewater systems will protect existing homes and help unlock future growth.”

Pembroke’s project will expand the existing water storage reservoir, build a new trunk watermain connecting the City with the Township of Laurentian Valley, and complete the design of a new water tower. This work addresses an existing water storage deficit, protecting current homes by reducing related risks, as well as allows for future growth through development in both Pembroke and Laurentian Valley.

“Water is critical to all communities, and we are thrilled this funding will support the City of Pembroke to protect the drinking water network for years to come, as well as allow for future growth both here and in Laurentian Valley,” said Mayor Ron Gervais. “[Today] proves that municipalities and the Province working together can achieve great things for all our residents and businesses.”

The project will cost about $39.4 million. The Province’s grant covers 73% of the cost with the remaining being covered by the City of Pembroke and the Township of Laurentian Valley using the Water Services Agreement the municipalities share.

“In order to have new infrastructure and in order to have new subdivisions, which we're trying to do, we need support from the Province,” said Township of Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett. “Today shows that support big time. It's great that we can all proceed with the safety of having a new reservoir, having a new trunk line, and that we can move on for development, not only Laurentian Valley, but the City of Pembroke, [too].”

The project must be completed by March 31, 2029. Work will start in the spring of 2026.