Fort Providence, N.W.T., to get new water treatment plant after reports of diesel smells

The N.W.T. hamlet of Fort Providence is back to using water from the Mackenzie River after water tests came back clean — and with federal investment for a new water treatment plant, the mayor hopes it's a problem that won't repeat.  

Last week, the hamlet sent water samples to Yellowknife for testing after some residents reported smelling diesel in their water. The community drained and cleaned the water treatment plant and trucked in water from Hay River in the meantime. 

Fort Providence Mayor Danny Beaulieu said the tests came back Thursday showing no issues with the water.

"So we kind of dumped out all that water for nothing, but better safe than sorry," he said. 

"If someone complains about anything [that] could cause health problems we have to do something right away."

Friday, the federal government announced a $3.5 million investment into a new water treatment plant and raw water reservoir for the community. 

Beaulieu says that having the winter to plan and design it, and the summer to build it, he hopes to have a new facility by the time the snow flies later in 2025. 

"Hopefully we'll do it quick because if we don't, next year we'll probably have the same problem again," he said. 

In addition to the federal investment, Beaulieu said the community will have to invest some of its own money, though he wasn't sure exactly how much. 

N.W.T. MP Michael McLeod was in Fort Providence to announce the investment. He also announced $7.18 million for a new emergency shelter in the community for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQ+. That shelter is expected to have 60 beds.