Just two weeks ago, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette told the Gazette that vital infrastructure funding was on the way.

Last week, he delivered.

Appearing at Wellington’s Highline Hall on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, Mr. Malette announced a federal investment of more than $20 million for the Wellington Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“The growth pressures on Prince Edward County are very real and so is the condition of the municipality’s ageing infrastructure. That’s what this announcement is meant to address,” said Mr. Malette. “There may be some mixed feelings on the ability to manage the growth that will come with this, but I’m confident the folks running our municipal government do so in a responsible manner.”

Canada’s new $50 billion Build Communities Strong fund supports infrastructure projects for housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.

A CIMA Canada Class A Environmental Assessment, completed in January 2025, estimated a new extended aeration wastewater plant at $37 million. Originally constructed in 1975 with a capacity for just 2,100 people, Wellington’s WW Plant will now be able to serve an additional 6,000 residents.

Mayor Steve Ferguson heralded the announcement as about more than funds. New treatment technology is much better for the environment.

“While the existing plant served reliably for decades, it was built in a different time. And during those times, there were different standards, and this was a much smaller community. Prince Edward County has grown and continues to grow,” he said.

Modern treatment systems significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater released back into Lake Ontario and offer better shoreline and groundwater protection.

“Clean water is not something we can take for granted. It supports agriculture, tourism, recreation, and the overall health of our community. This investment ensures that as Wellington grows, we are not compromising the structural assets that make people want to live, work, and play in the area. 

“This project is also part of a broader, coordinated approach to sustainable growth. This funding announcement is timely, as Council is preparing for a conversation about long-range water and wastewater infrastructure planning,” the Mayor said.

On hand for Thursday’s announcement was Quinte Homebuilder’s Association CEO Ruth Estwick. She noted provincial and federal infrastructure investments are critical to unlocking housing development opportunities in communities like Wellington.  

“In many municipalities, particularly smaller and rural communities in our region, the cost of water and wastewater infrastructure can be extremely difficult to support locally without partnerships from upper levels of government. 

“Infrastructure is the foundation that allows housing, economic growth, workforce attraction, and long-term community development to happen,” she said. 

“Without servicing capacity, projects cannot move forward, regardless of market demand or investment readiness.”

“Housing supply and infrastructure must go hand in hand if we want to address affordability, economic stability and workforce development across the region. 

“The residential construction industry is ready to invest and build in many communities across our region, including Prince Edward County, but infrastructure readiness remains one of the biggest factors in moving forward,” she added.