ENOCH CREE NATION, AB,MAY 25, 2017-- A recent sod turning ceremony served as an announcement that construction has begun on a project that will connect Enoch Cree Nation to theCity of Edmonton'swater 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.
"Nipy Pimatan - water is life," said ChiefBilly Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation. " In addition to bringing clean water to our core village, this expansion will support business development and create partnerships with the County of Parkland."
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. The Government ofCanadaplans to invest approximately$12.5 millionto support the completion of the project. Additionally, Canada's 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.
