Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations of the Grand River have launched a watermain project that will bring a reliable supply of clean and safe water to the rural residents of both communities.
“I would like to thank the staff of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the staff of Six Nations, and the staff of Indigenous Services Canada for the hard work and commitment that has made this Water Line extension a success,” said Chief Stacey Laforme from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “I also appreciate the assistance provided by Haldimand County. I value the partnership with the Government of Canada and the partnership with Six Nations and look forward to many future collaborations.”
A local watermain will be extended along the boundary road between Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations of the Grand River, allowing the communities to connect to the Haldimand County water system. The project is made possible by an existing municipal-type service agreement between Mississaugas of the Credit and Haldimand County.
The water main extension will bring water service to homes currently not serviced along the boundary road.
“In early 2018, only nine per cent of Six Nations residents, the most populated First Nation in Canada, had access to safe, treated potable water from our water treatment plant,” said Chief Ava Hill from Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation. “I am very happy to state that since that time we have secured enough funds to more than triple our water distribution coverage. This means that approximately 4,000 of our Six Nations residents will have access to a safe and reliable water source.”
“We are happy to partner with our neighbours, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, to work toward our ultimate goal of extending our water distribution system throughout our entire community,” added Chief Hill. “A special thanks to Indigenous Services Canada for their investment into the health of our community, for not only the residents of today, but also for the generations to come.”
Indigenous Services Canada is providing approximately $4.7 million toward the project.
“This is a good example of First Nations working together with municipal partners and the Government of Canada to bring clean and safe water to reserve residents,” said Seamus O’Regan, minister of indigenous services. “We are proud to work with both communities and municipal partners to make this important project a reality. The new watermain will have a positive impact and ensure residents have access to safe, clean drinking water for generations to come.”
Mississaugas of the Credit is located approximately 7 kilometres west of Hagersville, Ontario, along Indian Line Road. The First Nation has a total population of 2,564, of whom 951 live on the reserve.
Six Nations of the Grand River is located 20 kilometres southeast of Brantford, Ontario, along the Grand River. The First Nation has a total population of 27,455, of whom 12,805 live on the reserve.
