Northern Ontario First Nation under boil water advisory gets water treatment plant

CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION, Ont. — A northern Ontario First Nation says a new water treatment plant will allow it to lift a boil water advisory that has been in place since April 2014.

The federal government provided $5.8 million toward the design and construction of the new water treatment plant for Constance Lake First Nation near Hearst.

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The First Nation contributed $933,087 and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change provided $820,000.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Third-world conditions taking a high toll on First Nations police force

The First Nation says the boil water advisory can be lifted once maintenance of the distribution system is completed this summer.

Chief Rick Allen says the opening of the water treatment plant on Tuesday is a positive step toward improving the quality of life for the residents of the community.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says Ottawa is committed to partnering with First Nations to end long-term drinking water advisories on reserves within five years.