(Iqaluit) The City of Iqaluit, whose water has been contaminated by fuel twice in the past six months, is receiving $214 million in federal assistance to repair its drinking water infrastructure.
Posted at 2:48 p.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the funding Friday during a virtual press conference.
A packed house of residents applauded the announcement at City Hall in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. The federal money will come from the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Trudeau said the money will be used to create a new reservoir and improve the water distribution system.
The approximately 8,000 residents of Iqaluit were unable to drink tap water for 60 days last fall when it was discovered to be contaminated with fuel. The treatment plant was closed in January when fuel was again found in the water.
The City had already asked Ottawa for $180 million to repair its old water infrastructure.
Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell said Friday that the new infrastructure will be built in phases, over a four-year period.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said improvements are also essential to building more homes in Iqaluit to address a housing shortage.
“This improved infrastructure will not only be able to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but it will also meet the needs of our growing population,” Mr. Akeeagok said.
“Access to safe drinking water is a right that should be available to any community. Nunavummiut have been fighting for too long to obtain this fundamental right. »