“I am honoured to be celebrating this momentous occasion in Sandy Lake First Nation, along with Chief Delores Kakegamic, council members, and community residents.”
SANDY LAKE – Today, Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament (Kenora riding), on behalf of the Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced an investment of $9.2M for Sandy Lake First Nation.
“The investment announced today will aid in design and construction upgrades, as well as an expansion of Sandy Lake First Nation’s existing water treatment plant,” stated Nault. “This will have a significant positive effect on the health and well-being of the community and its members and also bring with it, new economic opportunities.”
The design phase of the project commenced in October 2018 and construction is expected to begin in December 2019. This work will provide a long-term solution to the community’s water needs. Additionally, interim repairs to the water treatment plant and distribution system are underway to address the long-term drinking water advisory that has been in place since 2002. It’s expected the advisory will be lifted in December 2018.
When completed, the water treatment plant will provide safe, clean, reliable drinking water to the more than 2,600 community members that live on the reserve.
“I am honoured to be celebrating this momentous occasion in Sandy Lake First Nation, along with Chief Delores Kakegamic, council members, and community residents,” concluded Nault. “It is through their hard work and determination that will see this project through, and I look forward to touring the new facility upon its completion.”
“Our government is pleased to be partnering with Sandy Lake First Nation in implementing a long-term solution to the community’s long-term drinking water advisory that has been in place since 2002. While upgrades and the expansion of the community’s water treatment plant take shape, I am pleased that the community and Indigenous Services Canada officials will be able to implement an interim solution shortly that will allow for improved access to clean and reliable drinking water to the community, and lift the long-standing drinking water advisory,” says Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services.
Quick Facts
· Sandy Lake First Nation is located approximately 225 kilometres northeast of Red Lake.
· The design phase of the project commenced in October 2018 and construction is expected to begin in December 2019.
· Sandy Lake First Nation has been under a long-term drinking water advisory since October 2002. An interim solution is expected to lift the long-term drinking water advisory in December 2018.
Associated Links
· Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities
· Lifecycle of a First Nation community infrastructure project
· Investing in First Nations community infrastructure
