Northern Ontario First Nation receives $11.6M for safe water supply

People in Slate Falls First Nation in northwestern Ontario are expected to have safe drinking water by next year after a 11.6 million dollar investment by the federal government.

Bob Nault, the Liberal MP for the Kenora riding, which includes Slate Falls, made the announcement on Monday.

"I'm very pleased with the $11.6 M investment in the Slate Falls Water Supply and Distribution Upgrade project," Nault said in a news release."Chief Lorraine Crane and the Windigo First Nations Councilshould be very proud of their accomplishment."

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Nine boil water advisories that have been in place in the community since July 2004.

Slate Falls Nation chief Lorraine Crane said that the announcement was a milestone for the community.

"This has been a long and difficult process, however we are excited to announce that we will provide clean and safe drinking water to all the residences of Slate Falls Nation upon completion of this project," Crane said.

Nault said the project will be completed by December 2017.