Minister Philpott congratulates Whitefish River First Nation, ON, on progress toward future elevated water reservoir

OTTAWA, Dec. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Today the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Whitefish River First Nation on the awarding of a contract to construct an elevated water reservoir in the community.

Ceccetto & Sons Ltd. was awarded the contract through a public tendering process by the Whitefish River First Nation in Ontario. Once constructed the 1,280 m³ elevated storage reservoir will serve the community's long-term drinking water needs and provide sustainable long-term water pressure to improve fire protection to the community's residents and infrastructure. 

The Government of Canada is investing $3.5 million toward the project, which includes $345,000 for the design. The reservoir complements the community's water treatment plant, which began operation in October 2010.

Construction is scheduled to begin immediately and has a target completion date of October 2018.

Quotes
"This investment by the Government of Canada supports our shared commitment to improving health and safety on reserve. I commend Chief Shining Turtle for his vision and work to make this project happen, which will bolster the community's access to clean, safe drinking water and its ability to fight fires."

The Honourable Jane Philpott,
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Our elevated storage reservoir will complement our existing community infrastructure. Our citizens depend on safe and secure drinking water from source to tap. These are services counted on by most Canadians and the citizens of Whitefish River are no exception."

Chief Shining Turtle
Whitefish River First Nation

Quick Facts

• Whitefish River First Nation is located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Sudbury, Ontario, and has a population of about 450 residents.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support the training of water system operators. Budget 2016 also included $141.7 million over five years in new funding to Health Canada to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve‎.

Associated Links

• Safe drinking water for First Nation communities
• 3 steps for resolving drinking water issues in First Nation communities
• Lifecycle Process for an Infrastructure project
• Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
• Budget 2017

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, 819-956-5372; Media Relations, Department of Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160