First Nation Finally Ends Boil Water Advisory After Two Decades

After enduring 20 years of boil water advisories, Hiawatha First Nation celebrates the conclusion of the initial phase of their new water treatment facility and distribution network.

A grand inauguration took place for the new infrastructure located within the First Nation, a mere 30 kilometers south of Peterborough. Chief Laurie Carr views the system as a beacon of transformation for the community. For years, they have championed more sustainable solutions to address the boil-water advisories that plague many parts of Canada.

“We are thrilled to have finally reached the final stages of this first phase of the Hiawatha First Nation Water Systems project,” said Carr in reporting by Global News.

Carr continued in their report, “The new facility provides one-third of our community with safe and clean drinking water, ending years of boil water advisories for these citizens. This achievement brings us great joy and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our residents.”

A distribution system serving 42 homes along Hiawatha Line, Lakeshore Road, and portions of Paudash Street is part of the water treatment plant on Hiawatha Line, which also includes officer and garage facilities. The new system still needs to be connected to about 130 residences.

The project, which received funding from the Small Communities Fund, the Indigenous Services Canada Infrastructure Program, and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Green Infrastructure Stream, started construction in 2019.

The planning, design, building, and commissioning of the water supply system were all under the direction of Colliers Project Leaders, who were contracted by the Hiawatha First Nation. The project’s successful commissioning was made possible by Hiawatha First Nation’s close collaboration with the project management team.