In 2018, OCWA developed a comprehensive First Nations strategy that outlines how the Agency will establish partnerships with First Nations and First Nations organizations to support the development and implementation of sustainable water solutions in First Nations communities. The strategy includes a number of initiatives that the Agency will focus on in 2019 and beyond, grouped into six key areas of focus:
OVERVIEW OF 2018 ACHIEVEMENTS OCWA worked hard throughout 2018 to meet the objectives outlined in the 2018 Mandate Letter from the Minister. Highlights of the Agency’s key achievements are included below.
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2. Building awareness and strengthening relationships with the Agency’s First Nations clients;
SUPPORTING ACCESS TO SAFE, SUSTAINABLE DRINKING WATER IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
3. Engaging First Nations youth with respect to careers in water;
OCWA has a long history of working with First Nation communities in Ontario. Key elements of OCWA’s approach to supporting First Nation communities include: •
Building OCWA’s First Nations knowledge by providing First Nations awareness training to Agency managers and staff;
Supporting the Agency’s First Nation clients in the management, operation and maintenance of their water and wastewater systems, with the First Nations taking the lead and OCWA providing ongoing support;
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Assisting First Nation communities in ensuring the long-term sustainability of their water and wastewater systems through the implementation of process optimization, asset management and energy management initiatives;
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Providing operational training to First Nation communities in conjunction with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation through the federal Circuit Rider Training Program; and
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Providing emergency response services to First Nation communities when requested.
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4. Enhancing the Agency’s First Nation service delivery model to better address client needs; 5. Strengthening relationships with First Nations stakeholders; and 6. Managing performance. Other activities undertaken in 2018 include implementing remote monitoring and maintenance management system pilot projects in conjunction with the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations and the Bimose Tribal Council. These projects involved installing remote monitoring and maintenance management systems to enable real-time offsite monitoring, provide a standardized platform for managing community water and wastewater assets, improve operations and help ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of community water and wastewater systems. The success of the pilots will be evaluated in 2019, with results communicated to First Nations stakeholders and recommendations incorporated into future projects.
