October 28, 2024 — Bonaparte First Nation, Secwépemc Territory, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada

Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

The newly built water treatment plants and distribution systems, located in the Lower Hat Creek area, are a significant step toward ensuring long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in IR#1 and IR#2 of the Bonaparte reserve. These facilities will help prevent future drinking water advisories, an issue that has affected these areas intermittently since 2004.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $9.8 million for the feasibility studies, design and construction of the two state-of-the-art water treatment systems. In addition, Bonaparte First Nation and ISC are collaborating on further enhancements to water infrastructure in IR#3 to meet the area’s long-term water needs.

The Government of Canada will continue to prioritize working in partnership with First Nations to ensure communities have reliable access to safe and clean drinking water.