Government of Canada Invests to Improve Infrastructure Necessary for Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment in Natashquan

NATASHQUAN, QC, June 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today that work to expand the drinking water reservoir, rebuild the pumping station and retrofit the wastewater treatment facility in the Innu community of Natashquan has been completed.

Our Government has invested $3.2 million to expand the drinking water reservoir in Natashquan. Its volume was increased by 430m³, nearly double the capacity of the previous reservoir. It now holds enough water to help meet the community's needs, in terms of fire protection. The community will benefit from a water supply and wastewater treatment system that will not only help meet the needs of residents, but also improve their health and quality of life.

The additional amount of $5.4 million was granted to the community for the rehabilitation of the aerated lagoons, designed to treat wastewater. The annexed pumping station was completely rebuilt. The treatment facility was also retrofitted to facilitate the expulsion of wastewater.

Quick facts

• The Innu community of Natashquan is located on the North Shore of Quebec, at the mouth of the Natashquan River, on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 336 kilometres east of Sept-Îles. It has 973 residents.
• The funding is included in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2014, which provides $323.4 million over two years to encourage the implementation of projects related to drinking water supply and wastewater treatment for First Nations.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to invest in projects that improve the health and quality of life of First Nations. The rehabilitation of drinking water supply infrastructure and the elimination of wastewater will allow members of the Natashquan community to benefit from a the same high-quality service available to all Canadians."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"As Chief of Nutashkuan, and on behalf of the band council, we are extremely proud of the completion of these projects benefitting the wellness and safety of our members."

Rodrigue Wapistan
Chief of the Natashquan Community

Associated links

Canada's Economic Action Plan 
Natashquan Community Profile 
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Reports 
Mamuitun Tribal Council (French only)

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Contacts: Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160