The Canada-Ontario First Nations Pilot to Improve Drinking Water Quality is the result of a partnership between Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), the Province of Ontario and the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC). The initiative's goal is to demonstrate the benefits of innovative and alternative approaches to water treatment and distribution systems to improve drinking water quality in Ontario First Nation communities.
Many First Nation communities in the province face challenges in providing safe drinking water and are looking for solutions. This initiative will support collaborative demonstration projects in Ontario First Nations to help address this challenge. Each of these projects will showcase innovative and cost-effective approaches to protect drinking water and improve long-term water quality for First Nation communities. Ideally, these solutions will be easily replicated in other communities of a similar size.
AANDC will provide up to $5 million in funding for demonstration projects in selected Ontario First Nation communities. This funding will cover the full costs of capital infrastructure, operations and maintenance over the three year project period. The Ontario government and the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) will provide technical support and training. The role of the OFNTSC will be to provide assistance to First Nations and their Tribal Councils as required during the application phase as well as technical advice during construction and operation.
First Nation communities selected for this initiative will lead the process of commissioning appropriate design and technology solutions for their communities through Request for Proposals processes. The Province of Ontario will provide technical support to assist the First Nation community in assessing and evaluating the most appropriate design approach for their community. Ontario will be making the Walkerton Clean Water Centre available to provide additional support for the project during the training and monitoring phases.
These collaborative demonstration projects will provide both short-term and long-term benefits for all participants, and help to develop and solidify working relationships between the province, federal government and First Nation communities. They will assist First Nations and governments in the identification of sustainable and economically viable options that can be implemented in communities that have not been able to benefit from traditional drinking water systems.
