Poundmaker Cree Nation will have potable drinking water in the future, after striking a Water Supply Agreement with the Town of Battleford. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Water supply secured

Battleford and Poundmaker Cree Nation approve water supply agreement

Aug 19, 2020 | 5:17 PM

Battleford, Poundmaker Cree Nation (PCN) and Indigenous Services Canada have come to a Water Supply Agreement, which will result in the construction of a pipeline supplying potable water to PCN.

The agreement is an initial term of 10 years with annual renewals afterwards, where the town owns and operates the facility, including a pipeline up to the border of the First Nation. The town will also pay the $5,000 annually for repairs and maintenance to the pipeline where the nation is the first user and PCN pays the remainder.

Chief Duane Antoine said he’s very excited for the partnership, having been trying to get the best quality water to his community for more than 10 years.

“This is a long term agreement that will benefit both sides,” he said.

Construction costs are borne out by PCN and all drawings are to be approved of by the town. Chief Antoine said the pipeline will not only provide better quality water, but also save PCN money in the long run with future water costs.

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“It’ll be safe drinking water and we don’t have to look after cisterns and stuff like that,” he said. “It’s piped direct into the reserve, right to the houses.”

Council echoed the enthusiasm of coming to an agreement with their neighbour that will benefit both the town and PCN.

“It’s positive to have partnerships with our neighbours and it’s a good sign that we are expanding that way,” Councillor Judy Pruden said.

“They’ll be able to grow their subdivision out there to more members,” Mayor Ames Leslie said. “And then it will help the Battlefords, because we’ll have a potential increase of people in the workforce for the area.”

Leslie also credited the investment of the water system in West Park for allowing the possibility of the project.

“For the pipeline to come right from the main water plant in Battleford, it just wouldn’t have worked,” Leslie said. “So, the addition of the pump house up in West Park made this project a reality and I’m grateful for council continuously making an investment for water safety in our community.”

Water supply rate is $3.13 billed quarterly, with future increases subject to Saskatchewan Municipal Board approval, similarly to town rates. The potential revenue is approximately $25,000, minus a potential $5,000 in the initial investment. Leslie said that isn’t a huge financial benefit in the short term for the city, but has the potential for increases.

“As they grow, so will that revenue coming back to the town,” he said.

A signing ceremony will take place at a date still to be determined.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports