BACKGROUNDER

Progress Report on 21 Priority Communities

In March 2006, the Government of Canada issued a plan of action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities identifying 21 priority communities with "high risk" water systems and drinking water advisories that required immediate action.

Today the Government tabled a Progress Report on plan of action, reporting that water advisories for six of the 21 communities have been lifted, another seven will be removed between now and the end of March 2007, and progress is being made in all 21 communities.

Following is a detailed update on each of the communities.

Atlantic

Pabineau

Pabineau, with a registered population of 227 people, 87 on reserve, is situated about 10 kilometres from Bathurst, New Brunswick. Its water problems date back to June 1, 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction which resulted in inadequate chlorination. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) evaluated the system in 2006 and determined that it was poorly designed.

Progress to date: On Sept. 14, 2006, an agreement was reached between the Chief and Council, and INAC to install individual treatment systems for each home and work towards connecting to the Bathurst municipal system. To date quotes have been received on installation of systems for 23 homes. Two systems have been installed and are now being tested. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will be lifted in early 2007 once individual treatment systems have been installed in the other 21 homes. A Request for Proposal for the design work has been issued to explore the possibility of connecting to the Bathurst municipal system as a long-term solution.

Woodstock

Woodstock, with a registered population of 813 people, 260 on reserve, is situated about five kilometres south of Woodstock, New Brunswick. Its water problems date back to March 1, 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate chlorination resulting in unacceptable microbiological levels.

Progress to date: Work began in August 2005 with the construction of a new treatment plant which included an in-ground reservoir and pumphouse. The plant was opened in August 2006. A problem affecting the capacity of the pumps was discovered and remedial action undertaken to correct this problem in September 2006. In October 2006, INAC began funding the connection of the homes and buildings to the community distribution system, and closing individual wells that were being used to service these buildings. A new reservoir and pumphouse have now been constructed, and one well has been closed. In addition, the operator has achieved certification to the level of the plant. A new risk assessment was completed in October 2006 which reduced the risk level to medium. It is expected that work will continue until all homes have been connected to the system.

Quebec

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, with a registered population of 2,671 people, 1,489 on reserve, is situated about 130 kilometres north of Gatineau/Ottawa, adjacent to the town of Maniwaki. Its water problems date back to 1999. There are two separate issues relating to water:

1. Some residents are connected to the community distribution system of Maniwaki through a municipal service agreement. The municipal system draws water from surface water, and has had issues with treating water to acceptable drinking water standards.
   
   
2. The remaining residents are on individual wells and have been on a Drinking Water Advisory since 1999 because of an unacceptable level of uranium in the groundwater. This year INAC evaluated technical solutions for treatment directly at the wells but found that current technologies are not viable because they cause unacceptable levels of radon gas.

Progress to date: The Municipality of Maniwaki started recent upgrades on its system Aug. 30, 2006, to address treatment issues. It anticipates upgrades will be completed by December 2007. Over the next five years, INAC will slowly expand the distribution system to connect as many residents as possible, currently on individual wells, to the municipal system. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory remain in place for these homes and they will be provided with bottled water for drinking.

Ontario

Shoal Lake

Shoal Lake, with a registered population of 526 people, 254 on reserve, is situated near Kejick. Its water problems date back to Dec. 6, 2000 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction resulting in inadequate chlorination. This year, INAC evaluated the existing facilities and found that there have been problems with consistent operations dating back to 2000. Work started on May 5, 2003, when a project was initiated to construct a new water treatment plant which will meet current regulations.

Progress to date: Design of a new water treatment plant is expected to be completed by October 2007, followed by construction. INAC has offered to provide funding for third-party certified oversight of water operations. It is expected that oversight will result in a lower risk ranking.

Constance Lake

Constance Lake, with a registered population of 1,449 people, 711 on reserve, is situated about 40 kilometres northwest of Hearst. Its water problems date back to Nov.18, 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction. This year, INAC evaluated the plant and found the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done.

Progress to date: Work was started in May 2006 when a contract with the Ontario Clean Water Agency was signed to provide third-party oversight. The Drinking Water Advisory was lifted July 2006. It is expected that an analysis, completed Nov. 9, 2006, will lower the risk ranking.

Moose Deer Point

Moose Deer Point, with a registered population of 449 people, 143 on reserve, is situated on the O'Donnell Point peninsula in Georgian Bay north of Muskoka. Its water problems date back to 1998 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of significant deterioration in the source water quality as well as inadequate chlorination. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done, and the pump houses were substandard.

Progress to date: An upgrade of the system has been approved and will be completed by April 2007. Third-party certified oversight will be in place by Dec.31, 2006. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will continue until the water system is fully compliant with current drinking water regulations and standards. A new system is expected to be completed in 2009-2010.

Northwest Angle No. 37

Northwest Angle No. 37, with a registered population of 336 people, 153 on reserve, is situated southeast of Kenora. Its water problems date back to 2002 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate chlorination. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the chlorinator was malfunctioning, and there were problems with operation and maintenance work.

Progress to date: Work started on July 4, 2004 and will continue to Nov. 30, 2008. Third-party certified oversight is scheduled to be in place by Dec. 31, 2006. It is expected that certified oversight will result in a lower risk ranking and the removal of the Drinking Water Advisory.

Ochiichagwe'babigo-ining

Ochiichagwe'babigo-ining, with a registered population of 329 people, 109 on reserve, is situated north of Kenora. Its water problems date back to 2004 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done. Work started in 2002 and continues to the present date.

Progress to date: A new water treatment plant was opened in November 2006, and the Drinking Water Advisory was lifted in March, but reinstated Sept. 9, 2006. This second Drinking Water Advisory was precautionary, caused by disruption of disinfection during commissioning of the new plant. Third-party certified operational oversight is now in place, and it is expected that the new treatment facilities and certified oversight will result in a lower risk ranking.

Kingfisher

Kingfisher, with a registered population of 461 people, 429 on reserve, is situated about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Its water problems date back to 2004 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction resulting in inadequate chlorination. The water system has been evaluated and it was found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done.

Progress to date: Work started on Aug. 9, 2005 and continues with construction scheduled for early spring 2007. Third-party certified oversight is scheduled to be in place by Dec. 31, 2006. It is expected that certified oversight will result in a lower risk ranking and the removal of the Drinking Water Advisory.

Muskrat Dam Lake

Muskrat Dam Lake, with a registered population of 367 people, 213 on reserve, is situated in the Sioux Lookout District on the western shore of the Severn River. Its water problems date back to 2003 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate chlorination and a high turbidity. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done.

Progress to date: INAC has been working closely with the First Nation on the construction of a piped sewer and water system that will result in all of the community being connected to a piped system. A diesel station upgrade project is also underway to ensure the provision of a safe and reliable electrical supply. A certified operator, who would be responsible for the overall maintenance and operation work, is expected to be in place in January 2007. It is expected that certified oversight will result in a lower risk ranking and the removal of the Drinking Water Advisory.

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway, with a registered population of 530 people, 153 on reserve, is situated east of Dryden. Its water problems date back to September 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction resulting in inadequate chlorination as well as high turbidity. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done.

Progress to date: Work started October 2005 and continues to the present date. The Drinking Water Advisory was lifted in July 2006. INAC has offered to provide funding for third-party certified oversight of water operations. It is expected that the implementation of oversight will result in a lower risk ranking.

Alberta

Dene Tha'

Dene Tha', with a registered population of 2,493 people, 1,799 on reserve, is situated 812 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Its water problems date back to 2005 when Drinking Water Advisories were put in place at two sites, Chateh, and Bushe River, because of unacceptable turbidity or particle counts. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that upgrades were required to the plant and operators needed training and certification.

Progress to date: INAC has been working with the First Nation since the Drinking Water Advisory was issued. A raw water reservoir expansion, approved for 2004-05 to increase raw water storage and improve raw water quality, is now complete and the new reservoir is being filled. The Drinking Water Advisory in Chateh was lifted the week of Nov.12, 2006. Operators are actively participating in the Circuit Rider Training Program and good records are being kept. A feasibility/assessment was completed on the plant and reviews are now being undertaken to determine the long-term requirements. The Drinking Water Advisory on the Bushe River Reserves has been lifted with the replacement of the cisterns and acceptable test results.

Driftpile

Driftpile, with a registered population of 2,232 people, 778 on reserve, is situated about 300 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Its current water problems date back to May 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because to unacceptable turbidity levels in the water distribution system.

Progress to date: A new water treatment plant was opened Oct. 11, 2006 and the Drinking Water Advisory immediately lifted. Currently the First Nation is looking to partner with two other First Nations to recruit an oversight operator until it has a fully certified operator.

Frog Lake

Frog Lake, with a registered population of 2,409 people, 1,415 on reserve, is situated about 245 kilometres east of Edmonton. Its water problems date back to July 2005 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of equipment malfunction resulting in inadequate chlorination. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that plant repairs were required and there were problems with the operation and maintenance work.

Progress to date: Many repairs to the plant have been completed, including the replacement of the water line intake pipe and intake screen. INAC met with the First Nation and a consultant in November 2006 and has received a revised scope of immediate repairs. Approval was given for the consultant to co-ordinate the outstanding work and the work is now underway. Operators are now actively participating in the Circuit Rider Program and record-keeping is improving. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will be lifted Dec. 15, 2006. Additional work is being done to ensure the plant reaches its capacity. This will be completed in February 2007.

British Columbia

Semiahmoo

Semiahmoo, with a registered population of 77 people, 48 on reserve, is situated about 15 kilometres south of Surrey. Its water problems date back to October 2005 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of unacceptable microbiological quality. This year, INAC evaluated the situation and found that a chlorination system was needed Officials also found that the First Nation had permitted some businesses and homes had been connected without a permit or being inspected, creating a potential source of cross contamination.

Progress to date: Work started in January 2006 and will continue through March 31, 2007. Construction of the chlorination system is scheduled to be completed by the end of next March. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will stay in place until the issue of unauthorized connections is resolved. INAC is working to engage the First Nation to address the issues.

Shuswap

Shuswap, with a registered population of 230 people, 72 on reserve, is situated near Invermere. Its water problems date back to 2001 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residual and unacceptable microbiological quality. This year, INAC evaluated the system and found that the operator was uncertified and the wells had been disconnected. This meant the First Nation drew water from another water source, which was untreated.

Progress to date: Work started on July 26, 2006 and was completed Sept. 27, 2006. The wells have been reconnected and the operator has been trained and certified. As a result on Nov. 9, 2006 the Drinking Water Advisory was lifted.

Toqhaht

Toquaht, with a registered population of 118 people, 10 on reserve, is situated near Ucluet. Its water problems date back to 2002 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residual, unacceptable microbiological quality and operational issues. This year, INAC evaluated the operation and found problems with the operation and maintenance work, no chlorination and that a new water source was required.

Progress to date: Work started in January 2006 and is expected to continue until January 2008. Bottled water is being provided to the residents, operators have been trained and certified, and chlorination is occurring. Drilling for a new ground water source was done in November; analysis of the water is now underway. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will remain in effect until the new water source is completed and a treatment system installed.

Canoe Creek

Canoe Creek, with a registered population of 662 people, 120 on reserve, is situated southwest of Williams Lake on the east shore of the Fraser River. Its water problems date back to 1999 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residual, unacceptable microbiological quality and operational issues. This year, INAC evaluated the operation of the system and found that there was no disinfection and problems with the operation and maintenance work.

Progress to date: Work started on June 1, 1998 and continues to December 2007. A plant upgrade is underway which will address the issue of disinfection. It is expected the Drinking Water Advisory will be lifted in early 2007 when the upgrades are complete.

Lake Babine Nation – Community of Fort Babine

Fort Babine, is one of three Lake Babine Nation communities with a total registered population of 2,200 people with 250 on the reserve, situated 100 kilometres north of Smithers. Its water problems date back to 1999 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residual, unacceptable microbiological quality and operational issues. This year, INAC evaluated the plant and found that the necessary repair work had not been completed.

Progress to date: Bottled water is being provided to the residents. Work on the system started in 1999 and continues to March 2007. Repairs are ongoing and the operator has been certified. It is expected that the Drinking Water Advisory will be lifted once repair work, testing, and commissioning of the treatment plant has been completed.

Toosey

Toosey, with a registered population of 276 people, 141 on reserve, is situated about 200 kilometres south of Prince George. Its water problems date back to 2004 when the Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of unacceptable microbiological quality and operational issues. This year, INAC evaluated the operation of the system and found that the necessary operation and maintenance work was not being done.

Progress to date: Work started on December 2005 and continues to December 2007. Minor repairs have been completed and water source protection measures have been taken. INAC will continue to engage the First Nation to address the issues.

Yukon

Taku River Tlingit

Taku River Tlingit, with a registered population of 372 people, 83 on reserve, is situated in northern British Columbia. The community has two water systems, one adjacent to the town of Atlin, and the other is a bulk water fill system. Its water problems date back to January 2006 when a Drinking Water Advisory was put in place because of an increase in turbidity. This year, INAC evaluated the turbidity level and found that the increase was caused by work being done to replace a circulating pump in the system. Corroded galvanized piping in the water treatment plant was also discovered when this work was being done.

Progress to date: Work to replace the affected pipes was completed in March 2006 and the system was flushed. Turbidity of the water has improved since the galvanized piping was replaced and the Drinking Water Advisory was lifted April 18, 2006. Pre-design reports for an upgrade to the system and improvements to the existing water supply and delivery systems have been completed for both water systems. It is expected that the final design will be reviewed through the winter of 2006-2007 with construction of a new system set to begin in the spring of 2007.

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