projects

Water retention projects can pay off

Water retention projects can pay off

An International Institute for Sustainable Development report says farms, particularly livestock operations, can see significant benefits from water retention projects installed on their land. The report is the culmination of a study of 10 water retention projects within the Seine Rat Rousseau Watershed District that began in 2019. The projects fall under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Living Lab Eastern Prairies initiative.

How colonial systems have left some First Nations without drinking water

How colonial systems have left some First Nations without drinking water

Rebecca Zagozewski, executive director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association, said she has seen contractors save on costs when building water treatment plants on reserves by using obsolete parts and failing to include maintenance manuals, ventilation or chemical rooms, and bathrooms. “Engineering companies will put in their bids obviously as low as they can go,” said Zagozewski.

Boil water advisory lifted on Black Lake Denesuline First Nation after more than 7 years

Boil water advisory lifted on Black Lake Denesuline First Nation after more than 7 years

A boil water advisory on the Black Lake Denesuline First Nation that has been in place for more than seven years has been lifted, according to the Government of Canada. The long-term drinking water advisory (LT-DWA) was lifted on January 23. Nearly 200 homes and buildings in the northern First Nation such as the school, fire hall and band office now have clean drinking water from the local water treatment plant.

Indigenous Services minister to acknowledge Liberals won't meet promised drinking water target

Indigenous Services minister to acknowledge Liberals won't meet promised drinking water target

The Trudeau government has helped lift 97 long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations since 2015, according to Indigenous Services Canada. Currently, 59 advisories are still in place in 41 communities. Since forming government, the Liberals have spent more than $1.65 billion of the $2.19 billion they set aside to build and repair water and wastewater infrastructure, and to manage and maintain existing systems on reserves. The $1.5 billion proposed in Monday's fiscal update is in addition to that $2.19 billion.

Torry: Time to fix water infrastructure in Indigenous communities

Torry: Time to fix water infrastructure in Indigenous communities

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and provincial governments across Canada are looking for ways to manage any economic hardship. Part of their assorted strategies has been to build new, or repair, existing infrastructure. The federal government now has an opportunity to stimulate the economy, while correcting a heinous historical injustice. It’s time to build the required infrastructure to provide all Indigenous communities in Canada with clean drinking water and reliable sewer systems.