Five long-term drinking water advisories that had been in effect for well over a decade in Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation have been lifted.
The advisories, in effect since 2008, were lifted thanks to newly built connections to the water treatment plant with funding coming from the First Nation and the federal government.
Chief R. Don Maracle says the $19.5 million third phase Waterline Project, which began in early 2021, provides clean and reliable drinking water to approximately 280 homes, 20 semi-public buildings and 756 community members.
Planning for the next phase of the project – expected to cost about $30 million and providing water to an additional 280 homes – is underway.
“Our water treatment plant is designed to provide water to the entire reserve through piped water. And our elevated storage reservoir that we constructed during phase two a couple years ago will meet the need that’s in the community.”
Chief Maracle says the First Nation and Indigenous Services Canada have invested $58 million since 2014 to improve drinking water.
The work provides other benefits.
“Ontario has had the highest number of fire deaths on reserves so with our water line projects there have been fire hydrants installed which adds to the safety of, you know, provides fire protection of our community as well.”
Chief Maracle says climate change has really affected their community with several floods and droughts over the last several years impacting water quality.
One boil water advisory remains for the Public Works Garage.
