Port Colborne’s Bright Future: A $19.25 Million Boost for Growth and Infrastructure
Federal government invests to improve infrastructure that will support development in Port Colborne
Port Colborne, ON – The City of Port Colborne is set to receive a significant boost in its infrastructure development with a $19.25 million federal investment aimed at enhancing water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The announcement was made today by Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport & Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre.
This funding is part of the Building Capacity for the City of Port Colborne: Investing in Growth and Development project, designed to ensure the city has the infrastructure it needs to accommodate future housing demands and foster economic expansion.
As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the Niagara Region, Port Colborne is experiencing significant growth. With housing developments in the works, it is essential that the city increases density and addresses infrastructure capacity barriers. This will support the needs of future residents, including those with low and moderate incomes.
The investment will specifically help three key housing developments:
- Lockview Park
- Sugarloaf Street and Marina Drive
- Highway 140 and Highway 3
In addition to housing, Port Colborne’s economic landscape is evolving. A notable example is the recent announcement that Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada will establish operations in the city, signaling the attractiveness of the industrial lands along the Highway 140 corridor. This area is a key component of the Niagara Ports Trade Corridor, which is drawing new investments to the region.
However, such growth comes with a need for substantial infrastructure upgrades, putting financial strain on the city’s ability to maintain essential services. Without federal support, these upgrades would likely lead to significant increases in property taxes and water bills—placing a heavy burden on local residents.
To address this, the Government of Canada partnered closely with the City of Port Colborne to secure funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). CHIF aims to:
- Accelerate investments in essential infrastructure
- Support long-term economic and housing growth
- Enable communities to build homes more quickly
- Ensure affordability for municipalities and residents
This investment is crucial for strengthening Port Colborne’s infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth, and ensuring the city is well-prepared for future demands.
“Building strong communities starts with the right infrastructure. This $19.25 million investment will help Port Colborne grow sustainably—creating the capacity needed for new housing and economic development, without placing the financial burden on residents. By working together, we’re building a stronger future for Port Colborne and for Canada.”
— Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport & Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“This funding will play a critical role in building water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in Port Colborne. It represents a win-win scenario, where we can look to the future by opening up new development for much-needed housing within our community while simultaneously completing upgrades to some of our existing infrastructure where it’s needed most.”
— William Steele, Mayor of the City of Port Colborne
With this federal support, Port Colborne is set to build a stronger, more sustainable future—ensuring the city remains ready to meet the needs of its growing population while also maintaining its economic momentum.
To learn more about how this investment will shape Port Colborne’s future, read the full article check this out!
