Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced an investment of approximately $12.5 million to support water infrastructure at Enoch Cree Nation.
“All Canadians should have access to safe and reliable drinking water. Working in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation, our government is supporting sustainable solutions to address water infrastructure on-reserve while ensuring water system operators have the training they need to succeed,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. This Government is making historic investments to support Indigenous communities, including strengthening on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure.
Minister Sohi, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, joined Chief Billy Morin of Enoch Cree Nation at a sod turning ceremony to announce construction on a project that will connect Enoch Cree Nation to the City of Edmonton’s water system and ensure the growing community has access to safe and reliable drinking water now and into the future.
Chief Billy Morin, Enoch Cree Nation, said, “Nipy Pimatan – water is life. In addition to bringing clean water to our core village, this expansion will support business development and create partnerships with the County of Parkland.”
Government of Canada infographic on how to address water issues in First Nations communities.
The project includes construction of a new water supply line and a new water reservoir and pumphouse to provide a sustainable drinking water supply. The Enoch Cree Nation’s old water treatment plant will remain in service to provide the community with a source of non-potable water for uses such as fighting grass fires.
Through federal investment, eighteen long-term drinking water advisories (DWAs) have been ended since November 2005. There are currently 201 projects underwater to prevent and address long-term DWAs and improve capacity and reliability of water and wastewater systems in Canada’s First Nations.
Cover image courtesy of Enoch Cree Nation.
