Provincial funding aids in construction of new Lac La Croix water plant

Provincial funding for Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, known as Lac La Croix First Nation.

The community is receiving nearly $30 million that will be applied to the construction of a new water treatment plant.

Chief Carrie Atatise is thrilled to be receiving the money.

“We are excited to work with Ontario, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Health and Safety Water Stream on this important project,” states Atatise in a release.

“This work will improve the lives of our members in the resolution of a long-term boil water advisory and in providing the opportunity to drink safe tap water.”

A boil water advisory has been in place since January 2022.

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS).

“The Health and Safety Water Stream is ensuring the safety, functionality and longevity of the water
of the treatment plants that community members in Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation rely on, today and into the future,” states Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.

Construction is expected to begin this year, with the new plant expected to be operational within two years.