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BONAPARTE FIRST NATION, B.C. — Bonaparte First Nation, located west of Kamloops, B.C., marked the completion of two new water treatment plants on Oct. 28.

The newly built water treatment plants and distribution systems located in the Lower Hat Creek area will help the First Nation move toward ensuring long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in IR#1 and IR#2 of the Bonaparte reserve as well has help prevent future drinking water advisories which have affected the areas intermittently since 2004, an Indigenous Services Canada release said.

“After two long decades of persistent water advisories, our community can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to these critical upgrades. Water is a lifeline and a fundamental right. We are grateful for this investment, it ensures the health, safety and well-being of our community and for generations to come,” Bonaparte First Nation Kúkpi7 Frank Antoine said in a statement.  

“Decades of uncertainty are now behind us. I would like to thank and acknowledge the determined efforts of all our partners, advocates, current and past leaders who all worked tirelessly to ensure our community has access to clean water. These new water treatment facilities are a significant investment to our future,” Bonaparte First Nation water manager Frank Antoine added.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $9.8 million for the feasibility studies, design and construction of the two water treatment systems, the release said.

Bonaparte First Nation and ISC are also collaborating on further enhancements to water infrastructure in IR#3 to meet the area’s long-term water needs.