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NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO FIRST NATION BUILDS NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND SUBDIVISION

NICICKOUSEMENECANING FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (July 27, 2005) - Nicickousemencaning First Nation celebrated the grand opening of its new water treatment plant today with a special ceremony. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provided approximately $4.8 million for the plant, and the associated subdivision infrastructure. The First Nation contributed $300,390 for the subdivision portion of the project, and managed the design and construction phases of all the work.

The announcement was made by Ken Boshcoff, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

“Providing clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to improving the living conditions of First Nation people,” said Mr. Boshcoff. “This community has demonstrated that by working in partnership with the Government of Canada there can be a positive impact on the lives of First Nations people.”

The new water treatment plant reservoir will replace a communal water supply and distribution system built in 1984. The subdivision project includes design and development of 37 residential lots, as well as the extension of roads, water lines, drainage, on-site sewage disposal systems, and electrical infrastructure to service additional lots for future development.

“These infrastructure improvements are very welcome in our community,” said Gary Allen, Chief of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation. “With a growing community, and our infrastructure at full capacity, these improvements will assist our current citizens, and enable our community to continue to grow.”

In May 2003, a First Nations Water Management Strategy was announced by the Government of Canada, including $600 million in new funds. It aims to improve the safety of water supplies in First Nation communities. In total, the federal government is providing more than $1.2 billion nationally for water and wastewater projects in First Nations communities over five years, from 2003 to 2008.

The Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, located approximately 40 kilometres east of Fort Frances, Ontario, has a total of 254 members, 123 of which live on reserve. The community is accessible year-round via Highway 11.

For more information, please contact:

Susan Bertrand
Senior Information Officer
Ontario Region Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(807) 624-1531

Chief Gary Allen
Nicickousemencaning First Nation
(807) 481-2508

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