Local and federal officials are cautiously optimistic construction will be underway this spring for a water pipeline to serve the Oneida Nation of the Thames in southwestern Ontario. The pipeline, still in the design phase, is expected to be 18 kilometres long and connect the First Nation community with clean drinking water through the Lake Huron Water Supply System.
Curve Lake First Nation chief says pending water settlement will have meaningful impact for community
Curve Lake First Nation Chief Emily Whetung is optimistic there will soon be clean water in her community following Federal Court approval of a water class action settlement agreement on Dec. 22, which includes a commitment of at least $6 billion for safe drinking water on reserves and $1.5 billion in compensation for individuals deprived of clean drinking water. A 60-day appeal period follows the courts’ approval of the agreement, “so it’s the last piece,” Whetung said.
‘They’re really struggling’: Inside the Neskantaga First Nation water crisis
When Chris Moonias woke up thirsty at 4 a.m. in his room at the Victoria Inn on a recent fall day, the first thing he did was look for a bottle of water. Though tap water was available in the bathroom, the Neskantaga First Nation chief grabbed his key, left his room, and walked to a nearby boardroom to find a bottle. He couldn’t bring himself to use the tap. His community has been under a 25-year boil-water advisory, Canada’s longest, and a distrust of running water, he says, has become pervasive among its members: “That’s the continued trauma. I'm not the only one that goes through this. If you go room to room here at the hotel, I guarantee you 100 per cent of those rooms have cases of bottled water.”