Construction and upgrades of the water treatment plant at Neyaashiinigmiing are getting underway.
A release from The Chippewas of Nawash Unceeded First Nation says a groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 21st.
Last July, $59.8 million in federal funding was announced for the planned water treatment plant. Indigenous Services Canada’s website says the Cape Croker Public Water system has had a boil water advisory since January 2019, which became a long-term advisory the following year.
Key partners joined Nawash last week to celebrate the launch of the Distribution System Upgrade Project and the continuation of the Water Treatment Plant Project that began late last fall.
Chief Veronica Smith opened the event saying, “Spring signifies a season of new growth and new beginnings as days get longer, the cold turns to warmth, and grey bursts into vibrant colours. This spring also signifies a huge milestone for our community, an endeavour that is long overdue; the implementation of critical infrastructure. Starting in April, the Distribution System Upgrade Project commences which means aging watermains and individual water services are being replaced in Nawash and we can expect to have clean water.”
Aaron Genereux, Director of Indigenous Projects, attended the ceremony on behalf of Colliers Project Leaders and stated, “Our team is looking forward to the day where the residents of Nawash Unceded First Nation will no longer live under a
long-term drinking water advisory and have a treatment system meeting regulatory standards.”
The detailed design of the new water treatment plant as well as the upgrades and expansion of the drinking water distribution system was completed by Associated Engineering.
Melanie Debassige, Executive Director of Ontario First Nations Technical Services said, “As an Indigenous organization, we are proud to support the community in their efforts to exercise their inherent right to access clean drinking water. ”
Local company Bridge Excavating has been appointed to install two booster pumping stations, 14 km of watermains and 300 water services to individual properties.
Makwa Development, will be providing sub-contractor services to Bridge Excavating over the length of the Water Distribution
project.
BGL Contractors Corp will be constructing the Water Treatment Plant building and lake water intake system.
Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hadju did not attend, but extended a statement, “I join Chief Veronica Smith and the entire community of Chippewas of Nawash in celebrating as they launch the construction phase of their water treatment system, a key milestone toward lifting the long-term drinking water advisory. We are proud to partner with you on this project that will provide 715 community members the access to reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water they deserve. I commend the leadership and vision of Chief Smith and her Council in achieving this important initiative.”
Indigenous Services Canada is Nawash’s funding agency.
According to Indigenous Services Canada’s website, the project will ensure access to clean water for about 750 people in 264 homes and to 20 community buildings.
Indigenous Services Canada says there are 34 long-term drinking water advisories in effect in 29 indigenous communities in Canada. 131 advisories have been lifted since November 2015.