Water Sharing Between First Nations and Municipalities in Ontario: Learning from Community Experiences

• Main Authors: Wakefield, Jessica, Longboat, Sheri
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph 2022
• Subjects: water-sharing; water crisis; First Nation-Municipal relationships; opportunities; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: https://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/ruralReview/article/view/6951

Access to clean, safe drinking water on First Nation reserves in Canada is a persistent problem. Many drinking water systems fail to meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality leaving many communities under Drinking Water Advisories, and some persistent. Water-sharing between First Nations and municipalities is one potential avenue for delivering safe, clean drinking water. To better understand how water-sharing agreements emerge or fail to emerge, this research uses in-depth interviews to understand the opinions, attitudes, and experiences of First Nations towards water-sharing, with a focus on communities who have entered into municipal-type agreements. Early findings suggest that water-sharing agreements can be complex, are varied among communities and highlight the importance of respectful relationships between First Nation and municipal agents. Furthermore, water infrastructure that provides adequate pressure – in addition to water quality – for community safety and growth opportunities is a key theme within this research. Funding: SSHRC funded Insight Grant