Today, Northwest Angle No. 33's Angle Inlet community site held celebrations following the completion of a new water treatment plant for Angle Inlet. Chief Darlene Comegan and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced today that with the water treatment plant complete, the community lifted three long-term drinking water advisories.
The new centralized water treatment plant will provide reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for 100 residents. The water treatment plant meets the community's current needs and has the capacity to support future population growth over the next 20 years.
This community-led project includes the construction of a water treatment plant, raw water intake and distribution system upgrades. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided approximately $19 million for the project to ensure clean drinking water for community residents.
The community has hired training operators that will maintain and operate the new water treatment plant. The ISC-funded Centralized Water and Wastewater Hub, delivered by Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council, is training and mentoring other community members. Currently, there is one certified operator.
Access to clean drinking water is an inherent right for everyone. Since 2015, First Nations, with support from the federal government, have now lifted 142 long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves, including three lifted at Northwest Angle No. 33 First Nation. Work is underway in partnership with First Nations to address the remaining 28 advisories across Canada.
The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations partners to ensure the funding and resources are available to install and maintain water treatment systems in all First Nations communities.
