
'Really good news': Clean water a reality for 2 northwestern Ontario Indigenous communities
CBC
After years of boil water advisories, clean drinking water is a reality for two northwestern Ontario Indigenous communities.
A new water treatment plant in Regina Bay went online at the end of August, bringing an end to boil water advisories in the community.
Another water treatment plant is nearing completion in Windigo Island, where the boil water advisory is expected to be lifted in early October.
"It's going to open the door for a lot of things, economically and opportunities," said Linda McVicar, chief of Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation, which includes both Windigo Island and Regina Bay.
"We couldn't even have an ice rink because we didn't have water pressure," she said. "Everybody's happy."
McVicar said the two communities have been on boil water advisories on and off for "many years." The two new treatment plants replace interim solutions that were implemented in 2008.
McVicar said the First Nation will focus on education about the safety of drinking water in the communities.