Water and wastewater operators play a critical role in ensuring drinking water safety by helping to prevent and reduce risks to water and wastewater systems. Access to ongoing training, mentoring and support is key to building First Nations' capacity to manage water systems, and recruit and retain qualified water operators. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Yukon University today announced a new program delivery model to enhance water and wastewater operator training and support in the region.
Water project a first in Canada
The first Indigenous owned and operated water utility in Canada developed by way of public-private-community partnership is a step closer to reality in the North Okanagan. A formal agreement has been signed between the Okanagan Indian Band Group of Companies, EPCOR and Enterprise Canada. The companies will identify commercial opportunities in utilities-related infrastructure, including water, wastewater and irrigation management, to provide quality drinking water and ensure adequate firefighting supply to serve the OKIB reserve lands.