SASKATOON – A $27.3 million loan will help build a new wastewater treatment facility and critical infrastructure on English River First Nation’s Grasswoods Urban Reserve.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank and English River First Nation, through their economic development arm Des Nedhe Group, announced the loan agreement Wednesday.
“This unique partnership with English River First Nation, Des Nedhe Group, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and Saskatchewan Water Corporation, enabled by CIB financing, signals an important step towards economic reconciliation,” said Vice-Chief Jenny Campbell, English River First Nation.
Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, said investments in essential infrastructure like modern wastewater treatment facilities are crucial to building strong, healthy communities.
“With the help of the CIB's loan and operational training support from the Saskatchewan Water Corporation, English River First Nation will have the capacity to grow the Grasswoods Urban Reserve to accommodate a growing population and more economic opportunities.”
Once the wastewater treatment infrastructure is completed in 2024, the facility will advance the transition away from septic wastewater systems, reducing environmental impacts and supporting sustainable growth. Its additional capacity will also allow Des Nedhe Group to provide wastewater treatment services to the neighbouring rural municipality of Corman Park, along with employment and training opportunities for First Nations community members.
“Our $27.3 million investment will accelerate construction of a new wastewater treatment facility, providing the community with the certainty they need to plan for future development,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank.
EFRN's on-reserve critical infrastructure and site development is expected to be completed within three years. Des Nedhe Group is currently developing ERFN's 135-acre Grasswoods Urban Reserve, which will allow the community to lease the desirable land to commercial partners.
ERFN, through Des Nedhe Group, will own and operate the facility, with initial operations and training led by Saskatchewan Water Corporation (SaskWater).
“At Grasswoods Urban Reserve, we're leading the way with progressive environmental technologies and creating a sustainable future where economic success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” said Sean Willy, president and CEO, Des Nedhe Group.
English River First Nation consists of135 acres in the R. M. of Corman Park near Saskatoon and includes seven different Reserves including Cree Lake, Porter Island, Elak Dase, Knee Lake, Dipper Rapids, Wapachewunak, and LaPlonge.
ERFN is part of Meadow Lake Tribal Council and its home reserve is in Patuanak, which is 250 kilometres north west of Meadow Lake.
