Upgrades to the water distribution system are now complete at the North Reservoir site on the hillside above Chief Louis Way.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc
October 29, 2020 - 10:39 AM
Upgrades to a Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc water distribution system in Kamloops are now complete.
The North Reservoir is located on the hillside above Chief Louis Way, and provides water access to 900 acres of reserve land, according to a media release from the band.
It was funded entirely by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, making history as the first major capital infrastructure project in Canada funded entirely by a First Nations Community.
The reserve lands can now be developed and ultimately support the expansion of trade corridors to and from the Lower Mainland.
"This project showcases a step for TteS’s vision of self-reliance as well as opens up significant development opportunities for our community," Chief Rosanne Casimir said in the release.
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc financed the six million litre water storage project without having to borrow from an external lender by utilizing $1.2 million secured through Indigenous Services Canada and contributing reserve funds.
"Despite the pandemic and the challenges that come with it, the project was completed by an awesome team," Secwépemc Councillor Justin Gottfriedson said in the release. "This has been a community priority for so many years and it is good to see this through."
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian also offered his congratulations.
"The additional capacity allows for much needed new serviced industrial land in our region, which is an important economic driver for both TteS and City," he said in the release. "Being the first Band to fund infrastructure through Development Cost Charges, the TteS once again demonstrates its leadership regionally, provincially, and nationally."
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