By Greentech Lead America: Four First Nation communities
will participate in the Canada-Ontario First Nations Pilot Initiative to
improve drinking water quality.
The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario are
working with First Nation partners to explore and assess innovative,
alternative and proven processes and drinking water servicing solutions.
The Government of Canada is providing up to $5 million in
funding to cover the full costs of capital infrastructure and three years of
operations and maintenance funding for the projects.
“With this important project, and the recent
introduction of water and wastewater legislation, our Government is delivering
on its commitment to support strong and healthy First Nation communities,”
said John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
The Government has selected the communities those have
water systems assessed at either a high design risk in the National Assessment
of Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities or did not have a
communal drinking water system.
The communities have submitted projects that presented an
opportunity to explore an alternative servicing model for drinking water treatment
and distribution.
Alderville, Lac Seul (Whitefish), Munsee-Delaware and
Zhiibaahaasing First Nations have been selected for the program.
The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation
(OFNTSC) is also supporting this initiative through the provision of technical
support to First Nations and Tribal Councils.
The Government of Ontario and the Ontario First Nations
Technical Services Corporation will provide technical support and training.
“Innovative approaches can play a key role in making
this happen. We are hopeful that the drinking water solutions for these
communities will provide options for other small and remote communities in the
future,” said Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of the
Environment.
The projects will include central management of all new
and existing drinking water assets. Depending on proposals received from
industry.
The design and technology solutions may include such
options as: innstallation of new point-of-entry treatment systems in a heated
enclosure outside of homes; improvements to existing infrastructure; purchase
of new water delivery truck(s); installation of pre-fabricated water treatment
plant(s) and other approaches deemed appropriate through the Request for
Proposals processes.
Recently, Government of Canada announced its plans to invest $14 million in Aquistore, a carbon
capture and storage demonstration project near Estevan, Saskatchewan.