Water, Progress and Partnership in Long Plain First Nation
Photos courtesy of ISC.
An upgraded and expanded water treatment plant means safe drinking water is now flowing in Long Plain First Nation, to support the community's water needs for years to come. The completed project, which included the reinstallation of a watermain crossing the Assiniboine River after its collapse in April 2025, allowed the Nation to lift its long-term drinking water advisory on May 25, 2026.
The achievement reflects the Nation's commitment to providing safe drinking water for their members and was shaped by years of planning, advocacy, partnership and hard work. The upgraded system now provides clean drinking water to families in 468 homes as well as the 12 community buildings they rely on.
Using a combination of nanofiltration and greensand filtration, along with ultraviolet (UV) and chlorine disinfection, the upgraded facility treats water drawn from groundwater wells. Designed with the future in mind, the system has the capacity to meet the community's current needs while supporting growth over the next 20 years.
Community members and leadership gathered on June 23, 2026, to celebrate the achievement during a visit from Minister Rebecca Chartrand. While in community, she toured the water treatment plant and learned more about the treatment process. Community water operators also demonstrated how they test the water to confirm it meets drinking water standards.
Chief David Meeches welcomed the opportunity to showcase the community's progress and highlight the importance of visits like these.
"We're very grateful for the Minister to come to Long Plain, and to announce what she had, and to participate in our community. I think it's very important that Ministers and Members of Parliament come into the communities to visit with us and to share with us and so that we can show our development and our opportunities, but also listen to the needs of our community. And I think that's so important that they do these things and participate locally."
The project represents a major step forward for the community and supports the health and well-being of residents for years to come. With the long-term drinking water advisory lifted, community members can have confidence in the quality of their drinking water.
Long Plain First Nation's upgraded water system and successful response to the watermain collapse stands as an example of what can be achieved through strong community leadership, a clear vision for the future and collaboration. Supported by $16.2 million in funding from Indigenous Services Canada, the project has strengthened the Nation's capacity to provide clean, safe drinking water for current and future generations.
Image gallery
At a community event in June 2026, Dusty Peters, Water Plant Manager; the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs; Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches; Jarrod Cameron, water operator; and Jordan Cameron, main water operator, gather for a photo inside Long Plain First Nation's water treatment plant.
Chief David Meeches delivers remarks during the event.
A look inside Long Plain First Nation's water treatment plant.
Water operators use flow monitoring equipment to track the amount of water being treated and distributed to homes and community facilities.
Certified water operator Jarrod Cameron received specialized training to ensure proper monitoring and testing, safeguarding the community's water supply. Water operators like Jarrod play a critical role in their community's health and well-being by protecting the water residents use every day.
Manager of Long Plain First Nation's water treatment plant, Dusty Peters, gives a tour of the water treatment plant, sharing information about the upgraded facility and its operations.