Massey water infrastructure gets big provincial boost

Published by: Elliot Lake Standard
Author: Leslie Knibbs
March 5, 2026

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg meets with Sables-Spanish River Township Mayor Kevin Burke and members of council to announce funding for improvements to Massey's water system. Photo by Leslie Knibbs

MPP Bill Rosenberg visited Massey in Sables-Spanish River Township on Feb. 26 to make a major announcement of funding for improvements and expansion of water distribution in the town’s water system.

The project is expected take place over the late spring and summer this year with an estimated completion date before the snow falls in the early winter of 2026, according to SSRT Mayor Kevin Burke.

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) and will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection for the community in the event of extreme weather events.

The MHIP-HSWS funding will be used to improve the critical water line that supplies the township clinic and the senior residence, as well as a proposed housing development and senior housing expansion.

The project is forecast to cost in the neighbourhood of $5.7 million, with the province contributing $4,163,737 and the balance coming from the township. According to the province, investment will create local jobs as well as strengthen the distribution of water in Massey.

“The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers is grateful for the investment that the Ford government is making for infrastructure replacement on Bell Street in the town of Massey,” said Mayor Kevin Burke.

“This will replace a major piece of our aging water system and ensure a safe and healthy water supply moving forward. This project will also complement future projects along the Bell Street corridor that are under consideration.”

Burke said wanted to “personally thank Acting Minister McCarthy and the Ministry of Infrastructure, along with MPP Bill Rosenberg and Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, for their direct involvement and support – thank you for listening to our story.” 

Donna Stewart, chief administrative officer at Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board (DSAB) was in attendance at the meeting. DSAB owns and manages rent-geared-to-income units in 10 municipalities, including Massey, all within the Algoma District. 

RGI means that the monthly rent is determined by a calculating 30 per cent of the household’s total monthly gross income. 

With the improved and expanded water line on Bell Street — the area in which the DSAB housing units are located — in addition to the group owning more land in the area, Stewart said she is optimistic of building and providing more affordable housing units near the present site just off Bell Street. 

“It will create more opportunities for development,” she said.

With a large project like this on Bell Street, a residential area in Massey, construction will obstruct traffic over the term of the project.