After nearly a decade spent lobbying Ottawa and cajoling three cabinet ministers from two governments, Ohsweken residents finally will see the construction of a new multimillion dollar water treatment plant.
"This new water treatment facility demonstrates tangible progress in improving the provision of safe drinking water at Six Nations," Brant MP Phil McColeman said in an interview Friday.
He was representing Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl at a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new plant.
Chief Coun. Bill Montour of the elected band council said the construction of the new plant is an example of what can be accomplished when partners work together.
"Once completed, the new plant will provide our current and future residents with an abundant supply of safe and clean water to meet their needs," he said.
Also on hand for the ceremony were Steven White and Doug Hodges from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and three band councillors, Ava Hill, Karl Hill and David Hill.
To help build the plant, the federal government is contributing the full $26.1 million needed for its construction.
Six Nations began pushing for a new plant as early as 2001. In 2005, the former Liberal government of Paul Martin announced $10 million toward the construction of a plant that was supposed to equal the water treating capacity of the current facility.
But the government fell shortly afterward, and was driven from office in the January 2006 election. The incoming Conservative government honoured the funding commitment for the plant.
Last year, the government approved the funding of a larger plant, which will be able to handle greater demand from development.
"What really enabled this project to move forward was our government's special economic stimulus and infrastructure funding," said McColeman.
"The government is committed to working in partnership with First Nations on the improvement of community infrastructure. This project is an example of that."