Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

infrastructure projects

Kensington residents will benefit from Credit Union Centre and water system upgrades

Kensington residents will benefit from Credit Union Centre and water system upgrades

Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque; the Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and His Worship Rowan Caseley, Mayor of the Town of Kensington, announced $4.2 million in joint funding for two infrastructure projects in Kensington. With this funding, Islanders will benefit from several upgrades to Kensington's Credit Union Centre (CUC), which include installing a 100kw solar panel system, replacing the ice plant, installing new LED lights over the ice surface, and resurfacing the parking lot. These upgrades will ensure the CUC operates more efficiently, providing Kensington and surrounding communities with a safer, greener, more comfortable facility for sports and activities.

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest in Infrastructure Projects in Berens River First Nation

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest in Infrastructure Projects in Berens River First Nation

A federal investment of more than $5.5 million will also go toward upgrading the Berens River First Nation water treatment plant. The infrastructure upgrades include the extension of the electrical system, mechanical equipment and reservoir and the replacement of the water intake. These upgrades will increase access to potable water and accommodate the long-term growth of the community.

Canada and British Columbia invest over $20 million in infrastructure projects across the province to build more resilient, greener communities

Canada and British Columbia invest over $20 million in infrastructure projects across the province to build more resilient, greener communities

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine and B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $20 million in joint federal-provincial funding for eight social, transportation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Infrastructure projects to keep the City running

Infrastructure projects to keep the City running

Water and drainage may not be as exciting as a new park or recreation centre, but they are vital to keep a city running. In 2022, $35 million will be invested in water, wastewater and stormwater protection projects that help with the daily function of our City. “Our Water and Wastewater Utilities at the City operate and maintain infrastructure that ensures what’s underground is in shape,” said Rod MacLean, Infrastructure delivery project manager. “This year, a number of capital projects across the City will improve the function of our water, wastewater, drainage and flood protection systems.”

Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Investments in local infrastructure projects help build inclusive, resilient communities. They create good jobs and business opportunities, address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic, and support local climate-related initiatives. Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, British Columbia's Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $110.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 57 community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Investments in local infrastructure projects help build inclusive, resilient communities. They create good jobs and business opportunities, address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic, and support local climate-related initiatives. Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $110.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 57 community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Canada’s Indigenous Services minister helps celebrate clean drinking water at SFN

Canada’s Indigenous Services minister helps celebrate clean drinking water at SFN

Federal Indigenous Services minister Marc Miller visited the Semiahmoo First Nation Wednesday (July 28) to help celebrate the nation’s removal from a boil water advisory in place since 2005. But it was also an opportunity to acknowledge, after discussion with SFN councillors, that much work still has to be done, he said. Miller told Peace Arch News that the federal government must continue to play a role in SFN infrastructure projects that may take as much as a decade to achieve.

Indigenous communities face unique challenges in funding infrastructure projects, experts say

Indigenous communities face unique challenges in funding infrastructure projects, experts say

A glaring example of this is the number of First Nations communities still dealing with long-term drinking water advisories. While the federal Liberal government pledged in 2015 to end all drinking water advisories by March of this year, 52 long-term advisories were in effect in 33 First Nation communities as of early April. According to Gale, Indigenous communities are increasingly taking matters into their own hands in leading and partnering in infrastructure projects. However, those projects tend to be small in size, typically valued at less than $25 million.

How colonial systems have left some First Nations without drinking water

How colonial systems have left some First Nations without drinking water

Rebecca Zagozewski, executive director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association, said she has seen contractors save on costs when building water treatment plants on reserves by using obsolete parts and failing to include maintenance manuals, ventilation or chemical rooms, and bathrooms. “Engineering companies will put in their bids obviously as low as they can go,” said Zagozewski.

Anishinaabe communities come together to continue protecting Lake Superior for future generations

Anishinaabe communities come together to continue protecting Lake Superior for future generations

Pays Plat Chief Peter Mushquash emphasized the importance of protecting Lake Superior for future generations during a Dec. 15 announcement of water treatment plant investments in his community and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. “Water is important, it’s very important,” Chief Mushquash says. “That’s where we get our water, right out of Lake Superior. So we have to look after that Lake Superior. We have to be very careful with our water.”

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