Government of Canada and Kasabonika Lake First Nation Celebrate the Awarding of the Contract and Start of Construction for a New Wastewater Lagoon

Press Releases

May 19, 2015 – Kasabonika Lake First Nation, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today celebrated with Kasabonika Lake First Nation the awarding of the contract and start of construction for a new wastewater lagoon for its community.

A partnership between the Kasabonika Lake First Nation and the Government of Canada, the project will see the construction of a new, cost-effective wastewater treatment system in the community that meets all regulatory requirements. Once complete, the system will provide a safe method of wastewater treatment for the community’s projected population over the next 20 years.

Quick facts

• Kasabonika Lake First Nation awarded the contract to Arnason Industries Ltd. on March 2, 2015.
• The Government of Canada is investing nearly $9.9 million for this project to meet the current and future needs of Kasabonika Lake First Nation.
• The Economic Action Plan 2014 continues to implement the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan with $323.4 million in funding over two years, beginning in 2014-2015, to improve water and wastewater infrastructure on First Nation lands.
• Kasabonika Lake First Nation is located 448 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout, Ontario and along the Asheweig River.

Quotes

“Strong infrastructure is the foundation for solid and prosperous communities, which is why the Government of Canada is please to provide support for this project. As a result of these investments, we are working with our partners to build stronger, healthier, safer and more self-sufficient First Nation communities.”

– Greg Rickford,
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Kenora

“This project represents the Government of Canada’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by our community. This investment will ensure that we have an effective wastewater treatment system in our community.”

– Chief Eno Anderson,
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
Additional links

• Canada’s Economic Action Plan
• Kasabonika Lake First Nation Community Profile
• Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Report – April 2010 – March 2012

Contacts

Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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