Six Nations of the Grand River Territory will benefit from a watermain replacement in the main urban area of Ohsweken thanks to joint funding from the Governments of Canada and Ontario through the Small Communities Fund.
“Expanding the water distribution system throughout the entire community is a top priority of the Six Nations Elected Council,” said Six Nations Elected Chief Ava Hill. “This watermain replacement project allows us to not only make the community safer by finally meeting the minimum fire protection standards but it also helps to secure a prosperous future by providing the critical infrastructure that we need to accommodate our community as it grows.”
This project will include the replacement and upgrade of sections of the watermain which are undersized and in poor condition as well as the associated road work in Ohsweken, to increase the capacity and reliability of the water distribution system.
Once completed, these upgrades will enable Six Nations to meet the minimum fire protection requirements, which enhances community safety.
“This has always been a 3 step approach, we built our new Water Treatment Plant in 2013/14, we’re upgrading these watermain sections next Spring and the next step will be to expand the watermain to other areas of Six Nations. We’ll also be taking this opportunity to explore road upgrades at our main intersection. This is a very exciting time for the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory,” said Chief Hill.
These upgrades are also a critical step in empowering Six Nations with the ability to expand its water distribution system to the other 90 per cent of what is the largest First Nation in Canada, in order to provide the entire Six Nations of the Grand River community with a safe and reliable supply of potable water.
Brant MPP Dave Levac was present for the announcement and said, “Today’s investment in water infrastructure addresses an important local need, and will help to ensure that the people of Ohsweken in the Six Nations of the Grand River community continue to have access to safe, clean drinking water for many years to come. It’s part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history – more than $130 billion over 10 years – which is supported by a number of initiatives, including unlocking the value of public assets to help make investments in transit, transportation and other priority projects.”
The $1-billion Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs. Canada and Ontario will each provide $272 million to support projects in communities across the province with fewer than 100,000 residents. This funding will help address local priorities, supporting job creation and economic growth, thus sustaining a high quality of life in small communities across Ontario for years to come.
According to a press release for the announcement the federal government will contribute up to $791,633 through the Small Communities Fund for this project. The provincial government will contribute up to $791,634 and the remaining costs will be paid for by Six Nations Elected Council.
“We are pleased to invest in projects such as the watermain replacement for the Six Nations of the Grand River that will benefit our community by improving much needed local infrastructure,” said Brant MP Phil McColeman. “Our Government’s commitment to municipalities, big and small, has never been stronger. Through the New Building Canada Plan Small Communities Fund we are investing in priority infrastructure projects that have a strong impact on the quality of life of Ontario’s residents while helping job creation and economic growth.”
