Asubpeechoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) ends all long term drinking water advisories to provide safe and clean drinking water for all residents

Press Release

From: Indigenous Services Canada

October 5, 2020 — Ottawa, Algonquin Unceded Territory, ON — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada and First Nations communities are working in partnership to improve water infrastructure on reserves and to support access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Chief Rudy Turtle and the community of Asubpeechoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) on the recent completion of upgrades to their water treatment system, including the elimination of all long-term drinking water advisories affecting the community. The improved water treatment system now provides the community with clean and safe drinking water.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided over $5 million in funding for the construction of upgrades to the existing water treatment system, which resulted in the lifting of a long-term drinking water advisory that had been in effect since June 2014. This project also replaced the Snake Point Well and the Mission Road Well with water distribution connections to the main water treatment system. Both long-term drinking water advisories affecting the wells since May 2013 were deactivated in December 2019.

Quotes

“Congratulations to Chief Turtle and the residents of Asubpeechoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation). Thanks to your hard work and determination, the long-term drinking water advisories have been resolved and all residents of your community can now have access to clean and safe drinking water.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick facts

• Asubpeechoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) is located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Kenora and is accessible year round.
• ISC invested $5,160,109 in funding under the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program.
• ISC has also invested $158,088 for a feasibility study that is near completion and examines all options to meet the long-term safe drinking water needs of the community for the next 20 years.

Associated links

• Ending long-term drinking water advisories
• Investing in First Nations community infrastructure
• Lifecycle of a First Nation community infrastructure project
• Budget 2019 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern investments
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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