The federal and provincial governments will support wastewater treatment for Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte residents with funding from the Government of Canada’s Clean Water and Waste Water Fund (CWWF).
Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament for Hastings—Lennox and Addington; Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; and Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, announced yesterday that two new projects in the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte have been approved under the CWWF. The federal government is providing over $61,000. The provincial government is providing over $30,000 of total eligible costs, and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will provide the balance of funding.
“The shared funding between the three levels of government provides much needed support for some of the current project funding pressures for Tyendinaga Mohawk Council,” said Chief Maracle. “I am pleased to see the two projects proceed and look forward to future opportunities for funding to address our additional water needs.”
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will replace existing analog water meters with new digital remote technology, helping to detect water loss. Improved water distribution and monitoring will make for better planning and distribution of clean water to the community.
“Working in partnership with First Nations across Ontario, the Government of Canada is supporting sustainable solutions to address water infrastructure on-reserve,” said Bossio. “Projects like those in the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will help Canadian communities better protect public health, and safeguard the property and livelihoods of residents and businesses, while conserving the local environment.”
Funding will also go towards the installation of a new septic tank and field at the Busing and Public Works Garage, which will provide better on-site wastewater treatment and improved wastewater discharge. This permanent installation will also allow for a portable unit to be discontinued. These projects are essential to keeping waterways clean and communities healthy.
“The additional project approvals announced today under the CWWF program provides 75 per cent funding to address MBQ immediate wastewater servicing requirements at our Public Works and Bus Barn facility and to support upgrades to our remote metering system in the Bayshore and Hwy #2 area that will assist in the efficient monitoring of water use and trending analysis,” said Maracle.
In total, for the six projects announced, the federal government is funding $232,110, and the provincial government is providing $116,054, and the recipients will cover any remaining costs.
This investment is part of an agreement between Canada and Ontario for the CWWF.
Hero image credit: Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
