March 17, 2015 Ottawa, ON Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Additions to houses are constructed to build space for bathrooms as part of the Island Lake plumbing retrofit project in Manitoba. See more photos in our Photo Gallery.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced that building materials for 152 housing plumbing retrofits have been purchased and will be sent to three Island Lake First Nations in Manitoba this winter road season.
These retrofits, the latest phase of a multi-year project, will provide homes with running water and sewer service via either piped systems or tanks. Significant progress has been made, with 318 houses retrofitted for plumbing to date and plans underway to retrofit an additional 356 units by March 31, 2016.
Once completed, all serviceable homes in the four First Nations of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake will have water and sewer service, improving the quality of life for the approximately 10,450 band members living in those communities.
Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure. These investments are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands, which is founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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