Construction on a new water supply pipeline for the Oneida Nation of the Thames is set to begin soon, as a company from London, Ont., was awarded the federal contract last week.
This $23.4 million project will expand the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System (LHPWSS), which currently ends near Mount Brydges, all the way to the settlement boundary of Oneida’s territory located south of London, providing clean drinking water.
“This project is about more than just a pipeline; it shows an increasing acknowledgment that First Nations should be involved in infrastructure that moves through our territories and benefits everyone,” said Oneida’s Chief Todd Cornelius.
“Historically, many First Nations infrastructure projects have been developed around us instead of with us. We’ve often faced limited chances to directly engage in major regional infrastructure development. Today marks progress in changing that.”
Oneida has been under a boil-water advisory since September 2019. The aging water tower serves as the main source of water for 550 homes and 26 community buildings within the territory, according to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
The federal agency announced Wednesday that construction is expected to take two years, allowing Oneida to lift its drinking water advisory by spring 2027.
This project has been planned since March 2022 and will work alongside another on-reserve initiative aimed at improving Oneida’s water distribution system. ISC approved budgets for both projects back in February.
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Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief Todd Cornelius stated that this pipeline project will enhance regional water infrastructure and create more opportunities for residents. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)
“For Oneida, this work not only strengthens regional water infrastructure but also builds capacity, creates opportunities for our people, and highlights our nation’s expertise and access,” Cornelius said.
A total of six companies submitted bids for this project, which was approved during a board meeting on March 5 made up of neighboring municipalities that also draw from Lake Huron.
The Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System board includes the City of London, Bluewater, South Huron, Lambton Shores, North Middlesex, Lucan-Biddulph, Middlesex Centre, and Strathroy-Caradoc.
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This image shows where the transmission connection runs to Oneida Nation of Thames within Strathroy-Caradoc Municipality. (Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System website)
Two nearby First Nations still face long-term boil-water advisories. The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation first reported unsafe drinking water in 2021 affecting 406 homes along with 20 community buildings.
The Munsee-Delaware Nation first identified issues in 2024 impacting 152 households.
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In a statement from ISC regarding these challenges: they are collaborating with Chippewas on plans to address their water issues while also establishing a bottling station on their reserve as repairs continue on leaks within their distribution system.
In Munsee-Delaware Nation’s case, high manganese levels were found in their water supply; though repairs were implemented successfully before new problems emerged once again prompting additional repair efforts by ISC.
“We’re fortunate to have three neighboring First Nations; I’m aware of how difficult it is for both Oneida and other communities regarding access to clean drinking water. So today really feels like an important milestone,” stated Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham who also serves as vice-chair on LHPWSS board.
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Water Issues in Chippewas and Munsee
Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson from Lucan-Biddulph expressed that this pipeline has been long awaited for Oneida and will greatly benefit the region. <p“Of course this means so much to Oneida and those who call it home; it’s significant for the entire region too,” she remarked. “Having sat on this board for several years makes witnessing this day feel especially meaningful.”Source link
