Government of Canada Improving Water Infrastructure at Enoch Cree Nation

May 24, 2017     Enoch Cree Nation, AB    Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

All Canadians should have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water. This Government is doing the right thing by making historic investments to support Indigenous communities, including strengthening on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, joined Chief Billy Morin of Enoch Cree Nation at a sod turning ceremony to announce construction on a project that will connect Enoch Cree Nation to the City of Edmonton’s water system and ensure the growing community has access to safe and reliable drinking water now and into the future.

The project includes construction of a new water supply line and a new water reservoir and pumphouse to provide a sustainable drinking water supply.

The Government of Canada plans to invest approximately $12.5 million to support the completion of the project.

Quotes
“All Canadians should have access to safe and reliable drinking water. Working in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation, our government is supporting sustainable solutions to address water infrastructure on-reserve while ensuring water system operators have the training they need to succeed.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Nipy Pimatan – water is life. In addition to bringing clean water to our core village, this expansion will support business development and create partnerships with the County of Parkland.”
Chief Billy Morin
Enoch Cree Nation

Quick Facts

• The Enoch Cree Nation’s old water treatment plant will remain in service to provide the community with a source of non-potable water for uses such as fighting grass fires.
• Budget 2016 is providing $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support the training of water system operators, in addition to $141.7 million over five years to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.
• Committing investments over five years allows for long-term planning to improve on-reserve water and wastewater systems.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Improving Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in First Nation Communities
• Progress towards eliminating long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities

Associated Links

• Infographic: 3 steps for resolving drinking water issues in First Nation communities
• Lifecycle Process for an Infrastructure project
• Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
• Investing in Canada: The $186 Billion Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Contacts

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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