Minister Flack, Councillor Michelle Graham, Mayor Sloan and Deputy Mayor Todd Noble.

Governments of Canada, Ontario and Central Elgin Celebrate Investment in Port Stanley Flood Mitigation

PORT STANLEY, ON – Today, representatives from the Government of Ontario and the Municipality of Central Elgin gathered to celebrate a significant investment in flood mitigation and climate resilience in Port Stanley, aimed at reducing flood risk for homeowners and safeguarding residents, businesses and community assets.

The Port Stanley Flood Mitigation initiative is a series of projects designed to improve stormwater infrastructure and increase the community’s resilience to current and future large-scale storm events driven by climate change.

This initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and by the Government of Ontario through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream.

The Municipality of Central Elgin has begun the first phase of work with the Port Stanley Storm Sewer Upsizing continuing until the May long weekend. This phase will address stormwater capacity challenges that can contribute to localized flooding, pooling water on roads and strain on existing infrastructure. The second phase of the project is scheduled to begin in the fall.

Funding for the initiative includes:

  • $6,800,000 from the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
  • $9,307,500 from the Government of Ontario through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream
  • $3,442,500 from the Municipality of Central Elgin

In addition to the storm sewer upgrades, the broader Port Stanley Flood Mitigation program includes several other initiatives commencing in 2026:

  • A Breakwater Extension Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to evaluate options for extending the existing breakwater and reducing wave uprush into the inner harbour.
  • The East Headland Shore Protection Detailed Design, which will further strengthen shoreline resilience and protect critical infrastructure.

Together, these projects represent a coordinated approach to reducing flood risk and protecting homes, businesses and critical community infrastructure, while supporting sustainable growth and ensuring Port Stanley can withstand the increasing impacts of climate change.

Quotes

“Investing in flood mitigation in Port Stanley means investing in the safety and well-being of the community. This funding from the Government of Canada will help protect homes, businesses, and local infrastructure, while supporting a resilient and thriving community for years to come.”

-  The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities. Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities. Our investments will deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”

- Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure

 “Protecting homes, businesses, and local infrastructure from flooding is critical to keeping communities like Port Stanley safe and strong. This investment will improve stormwater capacity, reduce the risk of flooding, and help the community better handle the impacts of extreme weather. It also helps ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support growth and serve residents for years to come.”

- Rob Flack, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London

 “Investment from the Governments of Canada and Ontario supports critical flood mitigation work in Port Stanley that will help protect our residents, businesses and community assets and reduce the impacts of severe weather events. We appreciate the ongoing support of our federal and provincial partners as we continue building a more resilient community.”

- Andrew Sloan, Mayor of the Municipality of Central Elgin

 

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