shíshálh Nation has a new wastewater treatment plant, set to service the community for at least the next 50 years.
The Port Stalashen Wastewater Treatment Plant was unveiled on July 16 as local dignitaries and honoured guests gathered to commemorate the Sunshine Coast's newest sewer facility.
As temperatures climbed to near 30C, lhe hiwus yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe) said, “It seems appropriate that we would be feeling the direct effects of the warming climate today, on a day that we gather here, in a ceremony for one of our more important environmental accomplishments for the Nation.”
She added that the wastewater treatment plant was one step among many that her predecessors had begun.
Sharing that the funding, design, construction and operation of the plant was done by shíshálh Nation, yalxwemult said they expect the development to support the growing community for the next 50 years.
The unveiling was attended by approximately 40 community members, including shíshálh councillors, Rochelle Jones, Raquel Joe, Philip Paul and Keith Julius, as well as Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky country and Sechelt Mayor John Henderson.
Don Nash of Kerr Wood Leidal Consulting Engineers, said one of the highlights of the facility is how it goes above and beyond what is required for treatment for discharge into an ocean environment, remarking on the “impeccable” water quality of the plant.
He also highlighted the open concept of the facility and how it allows the public to understand the process their wastewater goes through while preventing any noise or odour from affecting the nearby community.
Stephen Scott, director of Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Indigenous infrastructure team said, “You should be very proud of yourselves for what you've done for the region, shíshálh Nation and you should be very proud of what you're doing for Indigenous communities across Canada setting this precedent.”
He said the bank has closed 12 infrastructure deals with Indigenous communities across Canada and has committed and financed approximately $500 million, working towards their goal of investing $1 billion in Indigenous infrastructure, he said.
As the unveiling ceremony ended, refreshments were provided and tours of the new facility were offered by staff eager to share their hard work.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
