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Government support provided for Northern communities’ water, wastewater treatment

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut – The federal and territorial governments are investing more than $3.5 million to support the planning of improved water and wastewater treatment in six Nunavut communities.

With this investment, several planning studies will be undertaken at the Rankin Inlet Wastewater Treatment Plant to identify future projects to bolster capacity at the plant. This project is a key step in increasing the facility’s ability to treat and manage wastewater in the community.

In addition, funding will be used to conduct studies investigating the potential for five new water treatment facilities to be located in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq. This investment will support future projects that would increase access to potable water within these communities.

Furthermore, funding will be used for the planning and design of the rehabilitation and expansion of the wastewater treatment facility in Arviat.This planning project will ensure residents will have improved access to efficient and reliable wastewater services for years to come.

“Reliable access to clean drinking water is a priority for communities across the North,” Dominic LeBlanc, federal minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, said. “This partnership with Nunavut will lay the groundwork for the construction of future water and wastewater facilities, building on our government’s commitment to protecting the health of Canadians and ecosystems through modern water and wastewater services.”

The announcement contributes to the Government of Canada’s commitment to sustainably develop the North. Water and wastewater treatment facilities perform vital functions that help make communities more productive and sustainable. Through projects like these, Arctic and Northern communities are receiving the information and resources they need to access and improve essential services.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $2.7 million. The Government of Nunavut is providing $925,000.