Harper Government Celebrates Opening of the New Water Treatment Plant for Six Nations of the Grand River

Six Nations of the Grand River opens new water treatment plant

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER, ON, Jan. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt, the Member of Parliament for Brant, Phil McColeman, today congratulated Six Nations of the Grand River on the opening of its new water treatment plant.

MP McColeman described the project as one that would bring "lasting economic benefits" to the community. The new water treatment plant will provide safe drinking water to existing and future users and can support up to 7,370 users.

This cost-shared initiative encouraged the involvement of the community in all aspects of the project and will provide the resources for long-term sustainability of the community and the families that live there.

Quick facts

• The new plant's capacity much improved: the plant now has a total production capacity of 4,050 cubic meters of water per day, which is significantly higher than the actual production capacity of 1,036 cubic meters per day provided by the old plant.
• Between 2010 and 2012 alone, Canada invested in 47 major water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed by 45 First Nations or organizations.
• The Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which received Royal Assent earlier last year, will enable safe on-reserve drinking water and wastewater treatment by developing much needed regulatory safeguards.
• The Government of Canada has provided more than $26 million towards the construction of this $41.4 million project for the new water treatment plant, and Six Nations of the Grand River invested approximately $15.4 million towards this project.
  
  

Quotes

"Improving water quality in First Nation communities is a priority for our Government and I am extremely pleased that the residents of Six Nations of the Grand River can now access clean drinking water from a new water treatment plant in their community. These kinds of investments are steadily increasing the effectiveness of water services in First Nation communities."

Bernard Valcourt
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister

"Canada's participation in this cost-shared project is a direct result of our commitment to taking concrete steps to create the conditions for stronger, healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities."

Phil McColeman
Member of Parliament for Brant

"This project is very important for the future economic growth and development opportunities in our community. The new water treatment plant will provide a safe and reliable source of water for the community, and will help to bring real change and improvements for people living here."

Chief Ava Hill
Six Nations of the Grand River

Related Products

• April 2010 - Construction of New Water Treatment Plant Begins at Six Nations of the Grand River Thanks to Canada's Economic Action Plan
• April 2010 - Speaking Notes - Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for the Six Nations of the Grand River
• Water and Wastewater Infrastructure April 2010-March 2012
  
  

Associated links

• Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
  
  

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes
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

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