The federal government and O’Chiese First Nation are combining to invest more than $17.1 million to build a new bridge to the community and make a central community building more energy efficient.
The new two-lane Baptiste River Bridge will replace the existing 100-year-old single-lane bridge, say officials. The bridge is one of two main access roads into the community.
Officials add the project will also realign roads leading to and from the bridge and also put in measures to protect it from the impacts of floods.
“The livelihood of a community is directly tied to the reliability of its essential services,” says federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault. “By replacing the Baptiste River Bridge and improving the energy efficiency of the community services building, we are supporting the safety and well-being of the O’Chiese First Nation now, and into the future.”
The upgrades to the local Community Services Building will include improved lighting, water, heat, and ventilation for more efficient energy use which will help the community reduce costs while making the facility more environmentally friendly.
As a main hub in the O’Chiese First Nation, the Community Services Building provides programs and services including recreation, childcare, healthcare, and food and clothing for vulnerable community members.
“As guardians of our ancestral lands, First Nations people bear a profound duty to preserve and protect our environment. We are pleased to see the Government of Canada’s commitment to tackling climate change firsthand,” says Corbin Saulteaux, communications officer for O’Chiese First Nation. “With their support, we’ve not only reduced our monthly bills but also revitalized our community hub into a beacon of sustainable progress. By leading the charge together towards a greener, brighter tomorrow, we honor our heritage and safeguard our shared future.”
The federal government is investing is investing a total of $15,570,060 in these projects through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) and the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The O’Chiese First Nation will be contributing $1,539,000.
Extending congratulations, Clearwater County Reeve, Michelle Swanson says the County looks forward to continued collaboration with the O’Chiese First Nation.
“We are proud to support and celebrate the O’Chiese community in their infrastructure advancements,” says Swanson . “Our ongoing partnership reflects our mutual dedication to improving the quality of life and economic vitality for all residents in the region.”
Officials with the federal Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada says it is supporting the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the prairies that better meet their needs.
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