Frontenac Municipal Services (FMS) is changing how growth happens in rural Ontario. By introducing modern, communal water and wastewater systems across the County of Frontenac, FMS is helping unlock new housing and development opportunities in areas that were once considered too challenging or costly to service.
With housing demand on the rise and limited capacity in existing municipal systems, FMS is helping bridge the gap between rural opportunity and modern infrastructure. Our approach provides developers and municipalities with a viable alternative to traditional servicing — one that supports attainable housing, local economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Over the past several months, FMS has been connecting directly with developers, planners, and municipal leaders to share this message. The response has been clear: rural development is ready for a new approach.
Engaging with Developers Across Eastern Ontario
FMS has been actively participating in regional events to raise awareness and build relationships with those leading the way in housing and infrastructure. From our booth at the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) to discussions at a Northumberland County Housing Workshop and the Eastern Ontario Housing Summit, we have been meeting with developers, consultants, and public officials who are looking for innovative solutions to expand housing in rural communities.
These events have reinforced the growing recognition that communal systems, designed, operated, and managed to the same standards as larger municipal systems, offer a scalable and sustainable path forward for development in small communities.
Why Communal Works for Developers
For developers, communal systems open the door to building in communities that were previously out of reach. These systems provide:
- Flexibility in site selection, allowing development outside traditional urban boundaries.
- Scalable infrastructure, meaning systems can grow as a community grows.
- Lower upfront servicing costs compared to extending centralized infrastructure.
- Regulatory confidence, with all systems designed and operated to meet Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) standards.
FMS manages the process from planning to long-term operation, offering developers a single point of contact and peace of mind that their systems are compliant, sustainable, and future-ready.
Making Development Easier
FMS is focused on removing barriers and creating a clear, predictable process for developers interested in building with communal services.
We are:
- Establishing clear guidelines for developers, outlining how to plan, design, and connect to communal systems. These guidelines help de-risk projects and simplify the approval process.
- Partnering with Clearford Waterworks, to identify a shortlist of MECP-approved technologies for water and wastewater systems that ensure reliability, quality, and compliance from day one.
- Preparing sewer-use and water-use by-laws that will guide operations and protect the integrity of communal infrastructure.
- Developing a 2026 Technical and Communications Workplan focused on building strong relationships with developers and advancing new servicing opportunities across the County.
Rooted in Community. Ready for Growth.
By working collaboratively with our municipal partners and the development community, FMS is helping make rural development more viable. We are balancing environmental responsibility with the need for attainable housing and economic growth.
Together, we are paving the way for new investment, new homes, and thriving communities in Frontenac County.
Learn more about building with communal services and download our Developer Guidelines Overview. Full guidelines coming soon.