The Government of Canada has announced funding to advance the design and construction of a water treatment plant upgrade and water distribution expansion for Nibinamik First Nation. Once complete, this project will eliminate the drinking water advisory that has affected the community since 2013.
“I am pleased to partner with Chief Yellowhead and Nibinamik First Nation to announce upgrades and an expansion to water infrastructure that will help to eliminate a long-term drinking water advisory in the community and restore clean, reliable drinking water to residents,” said Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services.
Following the design phase, construction is set to begin in spring 2020 with a projected completion date of spring 2021. The water treatment plant will provide sustainable access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water to the community’s 360 residents. ISC has committed up to $6 million for the project.
“This funding will help provide clean, safe drinking water to our community—something that we haven’t had for so many years now,” said Chief Johnny Yellowhead of the Nibinamik First Nation. “What Nibinamik needs is a long-term, reliable solution to our infrastructure crisis. With this funding Canada is finally signalling that it sees the need to provide more than a band-aid approach and that is a very positive step forward.”
Nibinamik First Nation is in northern Ontario, located approximately 500 km northwest of Thunder Bay.
