Construction begins on Ontario water treatment plant

The Serpent River First Nation of Canada has begun construction on a new $13.36m water treatment plant in its territory along the North Channel of Lake Huron in Ontario.

The Government of Canada has invested more than $12.36m towards construction, while the Serpent River First Nation has contributed approximately $730,000 towards the project.

The scope of work includes constructing a new raw water intake, a 427m² water treatment plant, an above-ground storage reservoir, and upgrades to the existing water distribution system.

Upon completion, the plant will have the capacity to provide water for 376 people in 160 homes. Construction of the project is likely to be completed by July 2015.

The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to address water and wastewater issues through the Economic Action Plan 2014.

Canadian Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt said that the government will continue working with First Nations to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in their communities.

"In fact, Economic Action Plan 2014 includes $323.4M to improve water and wastewater infrastructure on First Nation communities," Valcourt added.

Serpent River First Nation chief Wiindawtegowinini Isadore Day said: "This new water treatment plant will bring real change and improvements to the quality of life of the people living here; it will also resolve a long standing issue of the human right to potable water for our families in our community," Day added.