Neskantaga First Nation
Water treatment system upgrade and expansion complete, deficiencies being addressed
Project tracker
Projected lift date: TBD
Neskantaga First Nation in Ontario is home to 374 people living on reserve. The First Nation has been leading a project to upgrade their water treatment system in order to end the long-term drinking water advisory, with funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
There is 1 long-term drinking water advisory affecting 76 households and 6 community buildings:
- a boil water advisory for the Neskantaga Public Water System was set in February 1995 and became long-term in February 1996
Construction of the water treatment system is substantially complete and the system was commissioned in December 2020, however, some deficiencies remain. A comprehensive action plan is in place and work is underway to address outstanding issues.
ISC is providing funding for the Ontario Clean Water Agency to provide full-time operational oversight of the water system and to train local operators. ISC is also supporting the community to undertake a Water Systems Infrastructure Assessment to identify needs to ensure system suitability for long-term community growth.
ISC continues to work with Neskantaga First Nation towards the long-term goal of community members trusting the water in the community. To support the First Nation-led "Trust the Taps" initiative, ISC has provided funding for the development of a community healing plan and additional mental wellness program supports. The community healing plan will provide community-driven solutions to meet the unique wellness needs of Neskantaga First Nation members.