Funding Secured: $1.1 Million
Program: Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF)
Project: Dorchester Wastewater Pipe Integration Project
Meeting Growth Challenges with Strategic Funding
The Municipality of Thames Centre is preparing for growth, and with growth comes the challenge of ensuring local infrastructure keeps pace. To support new residential development and safeguard the community, Thames Centre launched the Dorchester Wastewater Pipe Integration Project, introducing a new PVC sanitary sewer pipes to meet the area’s expanding needs.
Securing funding for projects like this is no small feat. Municipal water infrastructure programs are highly competitive, with more applicants than available funding. That’s where GrantMatch came in.
Unlocking Success Through HEWSF
The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) is designed to help municipalities expand housing supply by investing in critical water and wastewater systems. Over just two funding rounds, only 77 projects across 86 municipalities were approved, making it one of the most competitive infrastructure programs in Ontario.
With $1.1 million in provincial support now secured, Thames Centre can move forward with a project that directly supports both residential growth and public safety.
GrantMatch’s Role in Making it Possible
GrantMatch Funding Specialist Andrew Cleary worked alongside Thames Centre to refine and strengthen the funding application. His strategy focused on aligning the project with the core priorities of HEWSF:
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Enabling new housing units through expanded wastewater capacity.
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Protecting community safety by modernizing critical infrastructure.
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Demonstrating readiness to deliver the project under the program’s strict timelines.
By connecting housing growth needs with water infrastructure solutions, the application told a compelling story that resonated with program evaluators.
“Securing over $1 million from the highly competitive Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) is a significant achievement for our Municipality, showcasing what we can accomplish when we are united and aligned as an organization.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, Thames Centre
Why This Win Matters
For Thames Centre, the benefits go far beyond the immediate funding:
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Housing Growth: The project clears the way for new residential builds, helping the community keep up with Ontario’s housing demands.
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Infrastructure Resilience: New PVC sewer pipes to reduce strain on existing systems and improve safety for residents.
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Strategic Momentum: This success sets a precedent for Thames Centre to pursue additional funding opportunities, strengthening its long-term infrastructure strategy.
A Model for Other Municipalities
This project illustrates how municipalities can turn ambitious infrastructure goals into reality with the right funding strategy. By working with GrantMatch, Thames Centre was able to:
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Navigate one of Ontario’s most competitive grant programs.
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Overcome hurdles around project readiness and alignment.
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Secure over $1.1 million that directly supports housing and community growth.
For municipalities facing similar infrastructure pressures, this win proves that the right project, aligned strategically with program priorities, can stand out in even the most crowded funding landscape.
Partner With GrantMatch
At GrantMatch, we help municipalities transform critical projects into success stories like Thames Centre’s. Whether it’s water systems, housing-enabling infrastructure, or large-scale community growth initiatives, our specialists know how to position applications for maximum impact.
👉 Is your municipality preparing for growth? Let us help you secure the funding to make it possible. Contact Us Today
