By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

good news

Ermineskin Cree Nation to connect to safe water supply via regional water services commission

Nov 12, 2024 | 12:00 PM

A project which will deliver a safe and assured drinking water supply to Ermineskin Cree Nation is advancing.

The waterline extension project is through the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission.

“Our top priority is a safe, assured drinking water supply for our current and future members in the region,” said Grant Creasey, commission chairman, and mayor of Lacombe.

“[This] milestone sets the stage for an efficient, collaborative process over the next 36 to 48 months. With our partners, we are committed to completing this project on time and to the highest standards of quality.”

Jordan Thompson, commission CAO, explains the project’s two components as 1) an extension of the transmission line from Ponoka to the boundary of Ermineskin, and 2) water system upgrades in Ermineskin (ECN).

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“The commission is responsible for transmission main extension while ECN is responsible for the on-reserve components,” says Thompson.

“We are working closely with ECN to coordinate our work. We are not aware of the costs for the Ermineskin Cree Nation upgrades. The commission will receive funding for its roughly 25 km extension from Ponoka to Ermineskin Cree Nation, and has received $38.9 million based on the 2019 estimated costs.”

Final costs will be determined once routing and tendering have been completed.

Thompson also notes that while Ermineskin will be the first of the four nations in Maskwacis to connect to the extended system, capacity will be available for the others (Louis Bull, Montana, and Samson Cree) to connect in the future.

The Government of Alberta announced funding for this project in February 2019, he adds.

As it advances, the commission will be working closely with Ermineskin Cree Nation, funders Alberta Indigenous Relations and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, plus other stakeholders.

Ermineskin Cree Nation declined to comment on the project at this time.