Saad nozay safe water to 100 Sens Cee Delivering an award-winning $33-million water treatment plant she pie noe with locally sourced labour etna ror For more than 20 years, residents at Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, ocated near the border between Manitoba and Ontario, have sd been living under a series of long-term drinking water advisories. Peer rerecrcny Pee romney The community's aging pump houses didn't meet federal standards or provincial regulations for safe water distribution, so many relied on bottled water instead, The First Nation conducted feasibility studies to find a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution that would provide residents with longterm access to safe drinking water. Construction of an access road to the reserve enabled them to better examine the true costs associated with building and managing a water ‘treatment plant, The plan also included a low-level pumping station and lake intake; diesel backup electrification system; fire hydrants; a reinforced concrete reservoir; a water distribution network; and fire protection sprinklers for the existing school, community centre and arena buildings. In collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation selected Colliers Project Leaders to manage the delivery of the treatment plant and related assets. We fostered a collaborative working relationship with the community's Chief and Council to address specific concerns. The project was unique in a number of ways: the tendering process required our team to employ at least 30% First Nations, labour, while solving health and safety, supply chain, and schedule challenges amidst the pandemic.The plant was built on time and on budget and ultimately involved 53% First, Nations labour. It now provides safe water to over 100 buildings with the flexibility to grow, and continues to promote independence for small business owners in the community. In fact, it earned a 2022 Project of the Year Award from the Ontario Public Works Association In part for having provided opportunities for local procurement and employment. We submitted an evaluation report to Indigenous Services Canada, recommending a similar procurement model be used for more federally funded Indigenous capital projects moving forward. (OOS. nee eee eee