KENORA – Recently, the Government of Canada announced more than $480,000 in funding to Grand Council Treaty #3and the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation to protect and enhance water quality in the Kenora riding. Funding for the two new projects is part of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program.
“As Northerners who enjoy being around lakes, we very much appreciate Northwestern Ontario’s abundance of freshwater,” stated Nault. “That’s why I’m extremely pleased to see Grand Council Treaty #3 and the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation being recognized for their dedication and expertise to preserve and protect the health of our fresh water supply.”
Project #1: Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
The project will develop a water coordination program to strengthen collaboration and build capacity for organizations and groups working on nutrient reduction for the Lake of the Woods Basin, benefitting Lake Winnipeg downstream.
- This project includes: developing a Charter for Lake of the Woods as a framework for action.
- Creating a communication network to improve knowledge sharing and coordination of activities and understanding of nutrient pollution and algae blooms.
- Increasing public engagement and support for nutrient reduction actions in the development of water quality objectives for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.
- Program Funding: $251,450 over 4 years.
Project #2: Grand Council Treaty #3Watershed Management Plan
The project will establish a Treaty #3 Watershed Management Plan (WMP) to develop an engagement and decision-making framework in line with Anishinaabe culture and Manitou Aki Inakinogawiin (Great Earth Law), combined with western science, to protect the land and water of Treaty #3 for future generations.
- The project will help protect water in each of the 28 communities of Treaty #3 Territory.
- Program funding: $232,000 over 3 years.
“Investing in the conservation of our freshwater resources is an investment in our future,” concluded Nault. “These preservation efforts will help bolster our economy, protect the environment, and ensure that future generations can enjoy our many beautiful lakes.”
Overall, The Government of Canada has invested $25.7 million in the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, which is part of the $70.5-million funding allocated for freshwater protection, in Budget 2017.
Additional information
- A list of the projects covered in the scope of this announcement can be found here.
