FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2024
THE ARTHUR AYOUNGMAN WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION GRAND OPENING
The Grand Opening of the Arthur Ayoungman Water Treatment Plant will take place on May 15th, 2024, and will unveil the newly expanded water treatment plant in Siksika. The much-needed expansion will allow more water to be cleaned and processed for the use and consumption of a growing Siksika Nation population.
The project upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant meet the Guidelines for the Canada Drinking Water Quality and Siksika Nation Engineering standards and address insufficient fire storage capacity. The upgrades also include a building expansion for a new greensand treatment system, reservoir expansion, a standby generator, and pumping and control upgrades.
In 2022, Siksika Nation contracted Sim-Flo Systems Inc. to prepare the construction tender package, conduct the detailed design, and manage the project’s construction. On March 30th, 2022, CDM Mechanical Ltd. was awarded the contract as prime contractor through a public tender process.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 8th, 2022, to commemorate the start of the expansion and upgrades that cost $9.4 million to complete. The cost of the project is funded through grants from Alberta Community Resilience Program (ACRP) for $508,000; Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for $1,575,000; and contributions from: Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for $6.8M; and Siksika Nation (SN) for $541,000.
Approximately 592 homes and 2,960 residents are currently serviced by the Arthur Ayoungman Water Treatment Plant.
“For Siksika Nation, clean drinking water isn’t just a convenience—it’s a fundamental right that shapes our daily lives and our identity. Upgrading our current infrastructure isn’t just about fixing pipes; it’s about investing in our health, resilience, and the preservation of our traditions. Clean water is a necessity for our well-being and the well-being of generations to come. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this a reality for Siksika Nation, to our leaders at every level, and our administrators and technicians doing the work.” Kaah’ka’nooh’ki’toopi – Early Morning Rider Richard Sparvier Siksika Nation, Siksika Nation Tribal Manager.
“Thank you everyone, contractors, staff, funders, and Siksika Engineering Services, Chief and Council for making this project become a reality. We worked tirelessly on this project and are pleased to see it through to completion. Our ultimate objective for the Siksika Nation Tribal Administration is to provide long term solutions for our service delivery needs.” Van Le, Chief Operating Officer, Siksika Nation Tribal Administration.
“The Arthur Ayoungman Water Treatment Plant is a great example of what we can do when we do it together. I am incredibly proud that we were able to support the Siksika Nation on this project. And, we will keep backing projects like this, that make lives better for communities, from coast to coast to coast.” The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean, and reliable water. And building infrastructure to support sustainable access to water on reserve is a crucial step towards true reconciliation. Today, through the tremendous vision and leadership of Siksika Nation, there is now the water infrastructure to meet the long-term needs of the community for generations to come.” The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.
ABOUT SIKSIKA NATION
Since time immemorial, the Children of the Plains, the Siksikai’tsitapi – Blackfoot People, have lived in and protected a territory that stretches from the North Saskatchewan River in present day Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Yellowstone River in the state of Montana, from the Continental Divide in the west to Regina in the province now known as Saskatchewan.
Today, Siksika Nation population is approximately 7800+ and is part of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy. The Siksikaitsitapi refers to four Indigenous Nations which make up the Blackfoot people: the Siksika (Blackfoot), the Kainai (Many Chiefs), the Apatohsipiikani (Northern Peigan) and Amsskapipiikani (Southern Peigan). Siksikai’powahsini (Blackfoot Language) is the language of the Siksikaitsitapi.
Media is being asked to confirm attendance with Siksika Nation Tribal Administration Communications Manager Lynn Calf Robe (communications@siksikanation.com)
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CONTACT
Lynn Calf Robe
Communications Manager
Siksika Nation Tribal Administration
E: communications@siksikanation.com
