Canada and Nunavut invest in water and wastewater treatment for northern communities

Press Release

From: Infrastructure Canada

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, July 20, 2022—Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable David Joanasie, Minister for Community and Government Services for the Government of Nunavut, announced funding to support the planning of improved water and wastewater treatment in six Nunavut communities.

With this investment, several planning studies will be undertaken at the Rankin Inlet Wastewater Treatment Plant to identify future projects to bolster capacity at the plant. This project is a key step in increasing the facility’s ability to treat and manage wastewater in the community.

In addition, funding will be used to conduct studies investigating the potential for five new water treatment facilities to be located in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq. This investment will support future projects that would increase access to potable water within these communities.

Furthermore, funding will be used for the planning and design of the rehabilitation and expansion of the wastewater treatment facility in Arviat.This planning project will ensure residents will have improved access to efficient and reliable wastewater services for years to come.

Today’s announcement contributes to the Government of Canada’s commitment to sustainably develop the North. Water and wastewater treatment facilities perform vital functions that help make our communities more productive and sustainable. Through projects like these, Arctic and Northern communities are receiving the information and resources they need to access and improve essential services.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $2.7 million. The Government of Nunavut is providing $925,000.

Quotes

“Reliable access to clean drinking water is a priority for communities across the North. This partnership with Nunavut will lay the groundwork for the construction of future water and wastewater facilities, building on our government’s commitment to protecting the health of Canadians and ecosystems through modern water and wastewater services.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“These projects will help the Government of Nunavut take a step towards achieving the goal of improved water and wastewater services in all communities throughout Nunavut. Our government is grateful for the Government of Canada’s investment in water and wastewater treatment facilities. ”

The Honourable David Joanasie, Minister for Government and Community Services

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
  • Over the past six years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $336 million towards 14 infrastructure projects across Nunavut under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
  • During that period, over $46 billion has been invested in communities across Canada to support world-class, modern public infrastructure, including over $4.5 billion for water, wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • To further support clean and sustainable development in our communities, the Government of Canada has launched the National Infrastructure Assessment, which will help to provide infrastructure owners and operators with the information they need for better long-term planning.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Aramide (Lola) Owoaje
A/Director, Policy and Consumer Affairs
Department of Community and Government Services
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5354
aowoaje2@gov.nu.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca

IHT5

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More