Slate Falls still waiting for water upgrades

In April of this year, Slate Falls First Nation (SFFN) Chief Lorraine Crane told various media outlets that the community is in need of a central water system for the community.
As of July, Crane and the band council are still meeting with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
“We’re looking at getting funding within the next year or two. We can’t possibly wait any longer than that,” said Crane.
Crane said that they can not add any more houses due to the maxed out water system.
The water pump systems are out of date, and the materials required come from Quebec, according to Crane.
She said that ordering the supplies from such a distance is an arduous process.
Chief and council invested in a reverse-osmosis system several years ago.
“We went ahead and used other funds that are needed elsewhere,” said Crane.
For Slate Falls, a central water system would cost about $3.5 million.
The community has been on a boil water advisory for the past ten years.
Crane said that she sees a lot of potential for the community to grow, but it is currently lacking the necessary infrastructure.