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Canada and Ontario to help fund 37 clean water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects for First Nation communities

Zhiibaahaasing First Nation — Three levels of government together will fund clean water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure improvements in 37 First Nation communities in Ontario.

The federal government will provide more than $69.5 million, Ontario will provide more than $16.9 million, and the 37 communities will contribute a combined total of $5.8 million toward their respective projects.

Federal funds will be administered through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.

Among the projects funded, Zhiibaahaasing First Nation’s water storage and distribution systems will be upgraded, ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water, while also providing much-needed fire protection for residents. The project includes the installation of a new below-grade storage reservoir with high-lift distribution and fire pumps, as well as drinking water transmission pipes with fire hydrants. The storage reservoir will be part of a site already designated for the water treatment plant.

For Washagamis Bay First Nation, 1.2 kilometres of water main and 800 metres of water service lines will be replaced to better ensure reliable water service. Upgrades to ten septic fields will also prevent the contamination of groundwater, surface water and the environment.

The project in the Dokis First Nation will rehabilitate and expand the wastewater lagoon. The modifications involve implementation of a pretreatment system and installation of electricity on-site. These improvements will enable the lagoon to meet current federal and provincial discharge requirements, reduce the accumulation of wastewater sediment and help meet current and future wastewater treatment demands.

Additional investments in First Nation water and wastewater management projects include replacement of drinking water pipes, upgrades to communal drinking water systems, sewage system rehabilitations, wastewater treatment plan upgrades and replacements, well upgrades, subsurface septic system rehabilitation, stormwater management and water storage and distribution system upgrades.

All orders of government continue to work together with First Nations partners to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province where they are needed most.