Obashkaandagaang First Nation – Bob Nault, Member of Parliament (Kenora riding), joined by Chief Marilyn Sinclair and the community of Obashkaandagaang First Nation (Washagamis Bay) announced the upcoming design phase for a new water treatment system in the community.
“It is an honour to join Chief Sinclair, council, and community members today in their celebration of such a momentous occasion. Today is about more than a ribbon cutting, it is about celebrating a new beginning, the design and building of a new water treatment plant, and clean, safe, water for the community.”
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is providing over $8 million for the design and construction of the project. Once complete, the new water treatment system will eliminate two long-term drinking water advisories and restore clean and safe drinking water to current and future residents in the community.
“Clean and safe drinking water is vital to the quality of life, especially for residents of First Nations communities in Northern Ontario,” concluded Nault. “I congratulate Chief Sinclair and her Council for their hard work to bring this essential basic need to members of Obashkaandagaang First Nation.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes that safe drinking water is essential to healthy communities. We look forward to partnering with Obashkaandagaang to design and construct a new water treatment system that will benefit their community and will also bring us one step closer to eliminating all long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities,” states Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services.
“Water is sacred to our people. It sustains every living part of creation. For this reason, today I can proudly announce that we are building a new water treatment plant. This represents a great beginning in the development of our community in addressing our priorities as a Nation,” says Chief Marilyn Sinclair, Obashkaandagaang First Nation.
Quick Facts
- Obashkaandagaang is located 15 kilometres southwest of Kenora, Ontario. The First Nation has a membership of 333, of whom 146 live on the reserve.
- The project will include a new water treatment plant, a new water main distribution system, and 11 decentralized systems.
- Obashkaandagaang is currently in the process of hiring a consultant for the design phase of the project.
