Thursday, June 25, 2026
WINNIPEG — Nearly 10,000 community members across five Manitoba First Nations are seeing significant improvements in local water infrastructure following a series of major project milestones, including the lifting of two long-term drinking water advisories this year.
Supported by more than $122.2 million from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the completed and ongoing projects aim to stabilize local water systems, mitigate health risks, and restore long-term confidence in community water infrastructure.
The structural upgrades span five distinct communities, each addressing unique capacity and supply challenges.
Advisories lifted in Long Plain and Berens River
Two communities successfully revoked long-term drinking water advisories in early 2026 after completing extensive treatment plant overhauls.
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Long Plain First Nation: On May 25, 2026, the community officially lifted its long-term drinking water advisory following a $16.2-million upgrade and expansion of its water treatment plant.
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Berens River First Nation: A $21.7-million investment into treatment system expansions allowed the community to lift its long-term drinking water advisory on Jan. 6, 2026.
Infrastructure overhauls and future security
Three other Nations have secured major infrastructure overhauls to stabilize their water supplies for the long term.
In the largest financial investment of the group, Tataskweyak Cree Nation used $64.1 million to construct a brand-new water treatment plant that draws from Assean Lake. The project also included converting the community’s former treatment plant into a booster station and upgrading water mains and piping to secure reliable delivery.
Further south, Misipawistik Cree Nation completed a $15.9-million expansion and upgrade to its water treatment facility in April 2025, a move aimed at boosting system reliability for future population growth.
Meanwhile, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve is nearing completion on repairs to its existing water treatment facility. Backed by $4.3 million in ISC funding, the upgrades aim to resolve a drinking water advisory that has been in place since July 2023.
By the Numbers: Federal Water Infrastructure Funding in Manitoba
| First Nation | Project Status | ISC Funding |
| Tataskweyak Cree Nation | New plant & system upgrades completed | $64.1 million |
| Berens River First Nation | Upgrades completed; advisory lifted Jan. 2026 | $21.7 million |
| Long Plain First Nation | Plant expansion completed; advisory lifted May 2026 | $16.2 million |
| Misipawistik Cree Nation | Plant upgrades completed April 2025 | $15.9 million |
| Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve | Plant repairs and upgrades nearing completion | $4.3 million |
Water Canada will continue to monitor the progress of these water systems and federal investments in Indigenous water infrastructure.
