Summary
Across Ontario, rural municipalities are grappling with the same challenge: how to deliver reliable infrastructure in a way that’s affordable, flexible, and sustainable. Traditional approaches often fall short in rural settings – especially when it comes to water and wastewater systems. That’s where Municipal Service Corporations (MSC’s) are helping to chart a new path forward.
Across Ontario, rural municipalities are grappling with the same challenge: how to deliver reliable infrastructure in a way that’s affordable, flexible, and sustainable. Traditional approaches often fall short in rural settings – especially when it comes to water and wastewater systems. That’s where Municipal Service Corporations (MSC’s) are helping to chart a new path forward.
Why MSCs Matter
Municipal Service Corporations are publicly owned, arm’s-length organizations created under the Ontario Municipal Act. They allow municipalities to deliver essential services-like water, wastewater, or energy – with more flexibility and long-term focus, while maintaining full public accountability.
For rural areas, MSCs offer a model that supports small-scale, communal infrastructure that would otherwise be too complex or expensive to manage using conventional approaches. At FMS, we believe this is one of the most promising tools to strengthen community viability and unlock smart rural development.
The Frontenac Approach
Frontenac Municipal Services was established in 2023 as an MSC owned by the County of Frontenac, and its four lower-tier municipalities: The Townships of South Frontenac, Central Frontenac, North Frontenac, and Frontenac Islands. Our goal is simple: to deliver communal water and wastewater systems that help rural communities grow sustainably, without compromising what makes them special.
By managing infrastructure through a dedicated corporation, FMS can focus on long-term planning, regional collaboration, and partnerships with developers and operators – while maintaining strong local governance. This model also helps reduce the financial risk for municipalities through a more flexible funding structure, with the ability to invest back into the communities we serve.
A Model Built for Rural Ontario
This approach is gaining traction across Ontario. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association (MFOA) has recognized Municipal Services Corporations (MSCs) as a valuable governance tool for municipalities looking to deliver essential services—like water and wastewater—with more flexibility and long-term focus.
Regional organizations are also helping municipalities succeed. The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) has developed programs and resources to support communities exploring communal systems and MSC models. Their work helps municipalities access technical guidance, funding opportunities, and best practices for implementing scalable, sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Read the AMO and MFOA report on Municipal Service Corporations
Learn more about EORN’s support for communal systems and MSCs
Looking Ahead
As rural Ontario continues to evolve, MSCs offer a proven, forward-looking solution. We’re proud to be part of that movement—working with municipalities, developers, and community leaders to deliver scalable infrastructure that supports local priorities and community wellbeing.