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Two First Nation communities launch innovative water main project in Ontario

Haldimand and Brant Counties, Ont. – The Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations of the Grand River have launched an innovative water main project designed to bring a reliable supply of clean and safe water to the rural residents of both communities.

The two First Nations will extend a local water main along the boundary road between Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations of the Grand River, allowing the communities to connect to the Haldimand County water system, Indigenous Services Canada said in a news release. The wate main extension will bring water service to homes currently not serviced along the boundary road.

The project is made possible by an existing municipal-type service agreement between Mississaugas of the Credit and Haldimand County. Indigenous Services Canada is providing approximately $4.7 million toward the project.

“This is a good example of First Nations working together with municipal partners and the Government of Canada to bring clean and safe water to reserve residents,” said Seamus O’Regan, minister of indigenous services.

“I would like to thank the staff of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the staff of Six Nations and the staff of Indigenous Services Canada for the hard work and commitment that has made this Water Line extension a success,” said Chief Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation said. “I also appreciate the assistance provided by Haldimand County. I value the partnership with the Government of Canada and the partnership with Six Nations and look forward to many future collaborations.”

“In early 2018, only nine per cent of Six Nations residents, the most populated First Nation in Canada, had access to safe, treated potable water from our water treatment plant,” said Chief Ava Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation. “I am very happy to state that since that time we have secured enough funds to more than triple our water distribution coverage. This means that approximately 4,000 of our Six Nations residents will have access to a safe and reliable water source. We are happy to partner with our neighbours, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, to work toward our ultimate goal of extending our water distribution system throughout our entire community. A special thanks to Indigenous Services Canada for their investment into the health of our community, for not only the residents of today, but also for the generations to come.”