Oct 4, 2018   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Construction begins on new Potlotek First Nation water treatment plant

POTLOTEK FIRST NATION, NS, Oct. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nation communities to build water and wastewater facilities that will ensure improved and reliable access to clean water.

Today, Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation, and the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced that construction is now underway on a new water treatment plant for the community.

The new water treatment plant will provide clean, safe drinking water in homes and buildings on reserve and will effectively treat iron and manganese that has been seasonally affecting the First Nation's drinking water. It will also double the current capacity in order to support population growth in the community as well as accommodate visitors to the St. Anne's mission each summer.

The Government of Canada is pleased to support this project with an investment of $6.16 million that includes the design, construction and project management of the new water treatment plant, transmission line and water reservoir as well as the decommissioning of the existing water plant and water tower. This project is expected to be completed in the winter of 2020.

Quotes

"I am pleased to see progress underway in building a new water treatment plant in Potlotek First Nation, and I commend Chief Marshall and Council in their efforts to make this project a reality. Implementing a long-term solution to resolve recurring, short-term advisories will have many lasting impacts on the health and well-being for the entire community."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Thank you to our community members for their patience waiting for the announcement that Brilun Construction was the successful bidder and they have started construction on our new water pant."

Chief Wilbert Marshall
Potlotek First Nation

Quick Facts

    --  Potlotek First Nation is located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia along the
        Bras d'Or Lake and has an on-reserve population of approximately 567
        people with approximately 178 members off-reserve.
    --  While construction of the new water treatment system is underway, the
        existing plant will continue to operate. Potlotek First Nation and
        Indigenous Services Canada refurbished and upgraded the current water
        treatment system to remove manganese and iron from the water supply.
        Interim repairs to the existing system have been completed at a cost of
        $842,000.
    --  In all First Nations communities, safe drinking water on reserve is a
        shared responsibility between First Nations and the Government of
        Canada. Indigenous Services Canada supports First Nations communities in
        establishing their own drinking water quality monitoring programs.
        Indigenous Services Canada also provides guidance and recommendations to
        assist First Nations in addressing any unsatisfactory test results.

Associated Links

    --  Budget 2016 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern Investments
    --  Budget 2018 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern investments

Stay Connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous peoples in Canada:
Twitter: GovCan - Indigenous
Facebook: GovCan - Indigenous Peoples
Instagram: @gcIndigenous

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada