Water Meter Survey Being Distributed for new WTP

The WTP is seeking feedback from community members on having water meters installed, they will be used to help identify leaks within the water distribution line and any leaks that may occur within your household. A lot of the original Water mains are farm grade, which cannot sustain the new pressures of the new Water Treatment Plant. The Water Meters will help with identifying if the leak will be in your household or the water main. There will be absolutely no costs associated with the installation of the water meters. Water Treatment Staff will be accompanying qualified technicians when they are installing the water meters.

The survey will be distributed throughout the community and can be downloaded for print here. Completed surveys can be dropped off at the band office.

If you have any questions, , please contact the Capital Department at:

William Jones, Capital Manager Email: Capital@gbtel.ca


Caleb Keeshig, Capital Assistant Email: Capitalassistant@gbtel.ca

Phone: 519-534-3266

ISC Commits Additional $35M to New Water Treatment Plant

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has completed a requested review of the cost estimate for the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and committed significant additional funds for the project.

When the project was first approved in 2019, ISC earmarked $24M for design and construction costs. We had hoped that the funding would cover the new WTP itself, as well as extensions and, repairs to the existing distribution system. Due to new design requirements and construction industry pressures beyond our control, however, estimated construction costs since 2019 have ballooned, pushing the cost of the project far past our ability to make up the shortfall. We have been engaged in extended negotiations with ISC over the past year, pressing them to review the actual cost of completing the project and reconsider their level of funding commitment.

With the cost estimate review and our negotiations with ISC completed, ISC has now agreed to commit a total of $59.8M to the WTP project, while the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (CNUFN) will contribute $700K of own funds. With the expanded funding, we will be able to complete the new Water Treatment Plant, and extend the distribution network along Boundary Road. While a complete overhaul of our water distribution system is out of scope for this project, we will address distribution system deficiencies in future initiatives.

Negotiating a capital investment of $59.8M is a great success for CNUFN. With this investment, the great majority of Neyaashiinigmiing residents will finally have access to safe, potable water, a right taken for granted in most communities in Canada.

 

Naming Contest for New Infrastructure

The Wharf rebuild has been completed and the new Water Treatment Plant build is underway, with a brand new road leading to the construction site.  Now we need appropriate names for these valuable components of our infrastructure.

We are announcing a naming contest – or three naming contests, to be exact – for our new builds. We will be naming:

  • The new Wharf
  • The new Road to the Water Treatment Plant being built
  • The new Water Treatment Plant itself

Each name chosen will earn the creator a $500 cash prize and the unique honour of naming a permanent piece of our community.

Submit your ideas to Band Office Reception, by mail or drop-off, in a sealed envelope marked “Naming Contest”. The Band Office is located at 135 Lakeshore Boulevard, Neyaashiinigmiing, ON, N0H 2T0.

This contest is open to all members of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Submissions will be accepted until April 29, at 4:00 PM.

We are excited to hear each of your ideas! Good luck to all entrants!

Community Update – Water Treatment Plant and Distribution System

Project Background

Nawash FN Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Distribution System project will provide clean water to the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (CNUFN) in a sustainable way, ensuring continuous and safe access to this invaluable resource.

The plant will be located south of the intersection of Wilmer’s Road and Pit Road. The project has two main components, 1) the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and 2) the Water Distribution System.

Project Team

  • CNUFN Chief and Council  via the AdHoc WTP Committee
  • CNUFN Capital Manager and Capital Assistant
  • CNUFN Water Treatment & Distribution Manager (Fred Dubeau, ORO)
  • Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC)
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
  • Professional Project Manager – Colliers Project Leaders
  • Design Consultant – Associated Engineering and other subconsultants as needed

The Committee members and Project Team are in continuous communication to ensure that the project is carried out in the set timeframe, and that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed and considered as an integral part of the development of the project.

Project Timeline

Current Project Status

  • 66% design for Water Treatment Plant ongoing.
  • 66% design for Distribution System ongoing.
  • Due diligence studies ongoing.
  • Borehole investigations for treatment plant and distribution system completed.
  • Preparing pre-qualification document for General Contractor.
  • Equipment pre-selection for Treatment package unit.
  • Equipment pre-selection for pre-fabricated booster pumping stations.

What Will it Look Like?

Diagram showing the completed 33% design.

Where Will it be Located?

Questions?

If you have questions about the project, please contact the Water Treatment Plant Manager,  Fred Dubeau (O.R.O.) at 519-534-4599, or wtp.supervisor@gbtel.ca, or the Capital Assistant, Caleb Keeshig at 519-378-6092 or capitalassistant@gbtel.ca.

Work Continues on New Water Treatment Plant

In preparation for construction of the new water treatment plant, ground clearing works are occurring now in the field southeast of Pitt Road and will continue into the woodlot next week after the existing boreholes have been staked out.

There will be surveying works, tree clearing and grading conducted at the site of the new water treatment plant (see the area boxed in yellow), over the next 10 days, between November 2-9.

Residents, especially hunters, are asked to please exercise caution when in this area as there will be individuals (surveyors and contractors) at work in the bush.

Water Treatment Plant Construction Launched With Ceremony

A ceremony was held Wednesday morning, on September 23, to mark the start of construction of the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and distribution system. The ceremony was attended by community members, Chief Nadjiwon, Councillors, and Water Treatment staff. Water Treatment Manager Fred Dubeau was instrumental in organizing the ceremony.

Paul Nadjiwon led the prayers, offerings and drumming. The ceremony in portions spoke to the Thunderbird that resides in our area, to the manidoog of the land that will be disturbed to put in the new road and WTP, and to the water spirit in the Bay. Representatives of the firms contracted to assess, design and build the WTP and distribution system also attended the ceremony and were pleased to be part of such an important part of our unique development process.

Construction of the new road to the build site will begin in the next week. Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right. While First Nations across Canada struggle with their water supply, clean, fresh water from the tap is often taken for granted by urban, non-Indigenous Canadians. When our new WTP is completed, it will open a new chapter for Neyaashiinigmiing, in which residents will enjoy piped, potable water without the anxiety, inconvenience, and health concerns associated with chronic boil water advisories.

Ceremony Planned for New Water Treatment Plant

A ceremony will be held next Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 at 10:00 AM to celebrate and welcome the new water treatment plant and distribution system being developed.

The ceremony will be held at the intersection of Wilmers Road and Pit Road, and performed by Paul Nadjiwon.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.