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Ontario government invests $41M in water infrastructure to safeguard Leamington greenhouses

On Aug. 11 in Niagara Falls, Minister Surma and Minister Jones announced a $41 million investment to upgrade water and irrigation systems in the Municipality of Leamington. This allocation is part of a broader $94 million commitment to the Niagara Region through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.

In Leamington, the $41 million will modernize wastewater treatment and irrigation networks, protecting thousands of acres of greenhouse operations. These enhancements will support sustainable growth, bolster resilience, and strengthen Ontario’s domestic food sovereignty by ensuring families across the province continue to access locally grown, fresh vegetables year-round.

“This announcement demonstrates the provincial government’s strong commitment to reinvesting in our community and supporting the greenhouse sector that feeds families across Canada and beyond,” said Hilda MacDonald, Mayor of Leamington. “Along with advancing our world-class greenhouse industry, this same wastewater infrastructure

will unlock the potential for approximately 6,500 new residential units and create opportunities for commercial and industrial development, attracting new businesses and generating jobs. This investment will not only strengthen Ontario’s leadership in sustainable greenhouse production but also drive long-term economic and residential growth for Leamington.”

“Collaboration with municipalities like Leamington is essential for solutions that benefit our sector and local communities,” said Richard Lee, executive director of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “By working together, we address complex challenges and uphold our shared values.”

Leamington is one of North America’s premier greenhouse hubs, hosting over 80 percent of Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable acreage. This infrastructure investment will:

  • Provide reliable water and wastewater systems tailored to high value greenhouse operations
  • Protect jobs and encourage new private investment in the region
  • Enhance competitiveness amid evolving trade regulations and resource pressures

Photo: Steve Peters - OGVG Chair, Minister Kinga Surma, Richard Lee – OGVG Executive Director, Minister Trevor Jones, Mayor Hilda MacDonald – Municipality of Leamington and Peter Neufeld – Municipality of Leamington CAO

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