Federal funding helps Long Plain fix water system issues
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PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — Long Plain First Nation has completed a multi-million-dollar expansion of its water treatment plant, marking a significant milestone in a broader federal initiative to improve safe drinking water access across Manitoba First Nations.
The community, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Portage la Prairie, celebrated the completion of the upgrades Tuesday, June 23 alongside regional leaders and federal representatives, including Minister Rebecca Chartrand, on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The project is part of a combined $122.2-million federal investment spanning five Manitoba First Nations, including Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Berens River First Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation, and Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve.
Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches estimates the water treatment plant upgrades cost between $20 million and $30 million. The milestone follows years of community patience under persistent boil water advisories.
“It’s nice not to worry about that anymore,” Meeches said. “We’re very grateful for Canada and Indigenous Services Canada for stepping in and helping us out. I know how frustrating it is for other First Nations who encounter similar issues with their water and sewer.”
The expansion also allowed the community to permanently address a major infrastructure failure. In 2024, shifting river ice destroyed the community’s water and sewer lines running across the Assiniboine River. While operators averted an environmental spill into the river, the resulting water outage forced residents to evacuate to Portage la Prairie and Brandon with the assistance of the Red Cross.
Meeches said the community successfully negotiated repairs for those compromised lines directly into the broader water treatment project with the approval of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Though the higher output from the new system has caused minor, localized water line cracks and leaks, Meeches expressed full confidence in his infrastructure staff to manage the minor adjustments.
“I have all the confidence in those staff that look after our water system and sewage system. We’re coming along, they’re going to do well.”
The five provincial water infrastructure projects will impact approximately 9,525 on-reserve community members. Federal data shows that First Nations, supported by ISC, have successfully lifted 156 long-term drinking water advisories nationwide, with active remediation plans currently in place to address 38 remaining advisories.
» Portage Graphic Leader