Government of Ontario Media Release
Residents of Whitesand First Nation will benefit from improvements to their drinking water system thanks to funding from the Ontario and Federal governments through the Small Communities Fund.
“I am very pleased our government is supporting this critical project that will create a safer, healthier water system in Whitesand First Nation,” states MPP Michael Gravelle (Lib., Thunder Bay Superior North) in a media release issued Tuesday afternoon.
“This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history, which will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across our province.”
This significant local infrastructure project in Whitesand will involve extending the existing water distribution system from the First Nation to the Township of Armstrong’s water main. Once completed, the new connection will help provide safe, clean, high-quality drinking water for local residents.
The jointly funded Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs. Through the program, Ontario and Canada are each providing $272 million to support projects in communities across the province with fewer than 100,000 residents. This funding will help address local priorities, support job creation and economic growth, and assist residents to sustain a high quality of life for years to come.
Investing in local communities is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUICK FACTS
• The Provincial government is investing $610,000 into improving the community’s water system with matching funds from the federal government.
• Whitesand First Nation is funding the remaining costs of the project.
• This vital water-system project is part of the largest public infrastructure investment in the province’s history — more than $130 billion over ten years, which will support more than 110,000 jobs per year on average.
