After months of speculation and anticipation, Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister Anne Kang and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor have announced funding for a new water treatment plant for Williams Lake.
The federal, provincial and municipal joint investment of more than $24.3 million will provide the community access to safe and healthier drinking water, the government noted Friday morning, Oct. 27.
For the project, $9,726,750 will come from the federal government, $8,104,814 from the province, with the city contributing $6,485,311.
Sajjan and Kang made the announcement to fund the city’s much-needed water treatment plant at city hall.
“Our government is absolutely committed to building a better future for a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable Canada for all,” said Sajjan, who noted the new water treatment plant in Williams Lake was personally significant for him, as he resided in 100 Mile House when he was younger.
“We owe it to the next generations that are coming after us,” said Sajjan.
With an estimated cost of $25 million for the project back in May 2023, city council set aside the $3.7 million it received from the province in March to help fund its share.
For several years, the city has been planning for a solution to reduce manganese from its drinking water.
“This project will supply the community with safer and cleaner drinking water and this will increase our health,” said Kang.
In April 2019, Health Canada set a maximum acceptable concentration of manganese in drinking water at 0.12 milligrams per litre.
As Williams Lake’s levels range from 0.12 mg/L to 0.25 mg/L, the city responded immediately by issuing a water quality advisory, which remains in place.
The project will install about 850 metres of new watermain, providing the community an increased supply of fresh, clean drinking water. The new water plant will include a chlorination and filtration system that will lower manganese levels in the drinking water which is important for public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Mayor Rathor said the announcement was an emotional one for him and expressed how excited he was for the community and how thankful he is to the governments of Canada and B.C., the local city council, staff members and many others.
“We are thankful for the commitment to the health of Williams Lake,” said Rathor.
City chief administrative officer Gary Muraca said staff will forward the design, engineering, construction and archaeological services contract to the regular council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 7, for approval.
“We anticipate the design will start over the winter and we could have some shovels in the ground for archaeology and preliminary work next spring.”
In the meantime, infants and small children should not drink the tap water in Williams Lake. Instead, other water sources, such as bottled water, should be used for preparing baby formula, food or drinks for young children.
Health Canada research has shown drinking water with too much manganese can be a risk to health for infants and young children, said the water quality advisory issued by Williams Lake.
Rathor hopes the plant will be up and running within three years.
READ MORE: Williams Lake’s drinking water manganese slightly above new Health Canada guidelines
