First Nation on Sunshine Coast gets funding for new wastewater treatment plant
Posted November 2, 2022 8:57 pm.
Last Updated November 2, 2022 9:17 pm.
A First Nation on the Sunshine Coast has secured funding for a new wastewater treatment plant that will benefit the community.
The shíshálh Nation Government District is getting the greatly-needed replacement, after a multi-million dollar loan was approved.
As 26 years in operation come to a close on the current treatment plant, the Nation signed a deal with the Canada Infrastructure Bank for a $6.4 million loan.
The plant will be located on shíshálh Nation lands, near the District of Sechelt, B.C.
When the plant is open, it will also allow about 90 more homes to move off of septic systems.
Shíshálh Nation Chief Henry Warren Paull says his members are pleased with the long-term funding arrangement, which he says “bodes well for the future.”
“The agreement reminds me of why our nation decided to go down the self-governing path in the first place,” he said in the statement. “It shows how issues can be meaningfully addressed through a collaborative discussion and agreement.”
The bank adds this could be a future investment model adopted by other Indigenous communities across the country.
“The additional capacity this plant provides makes it possible for the shíshálh Nation to develop and connect future high-density residential housing developments. It also has additional capacity to tie in nearby future developments,” a release from the bank explained.
It explains the loan will deliver economic, environmental, and employment benefits to the First Nation, in addition to helping the environment.
“The investment in new wastewater treatment will greatly reduce impacts to the ocean environment by significantly improving the quality of effluent which will meet more stringent modern wastewater standards far into the future,” the bank noted.
