Residents in Verner, located west of North Bay, are relieved to receive funding to address a persistent water issue they have been facing for several years. Approximately 330 residents have been dealing with discolored water that has been causing damage to their belongings and appliances since 2016.
Carole Cousineau first encountered water problems in 2019 and described the impact of the unpredictable episodes of brown water on their daily lives. The water discoloration has led to stained clothing, damaged appliances like hot water heaters and washing machines, and even affected the cleanliness of bed sheets.
Despite the water being deemed safe for consumption, Cousineau and other residents refuse to ingest it due to the high levels of manganese present. Consequently, they have resorted to purchasing water independently as the municipality has not provided financial assistance.
The chief administrative officer of the municipality, Mike Pilon, explained that the existing water treatment plant drawing water from the Veuve River contains manganese, which is safe but causes discoloration. To resolve the issue, the municipality has secured $18.1 million in funding for an infrastructure project that involves constructing a new water line from the treatment plant in Cache Bay to Verner, diverting water from the Sturgeon River.
Construction for the project is scheduled to commence in June 2027, aiming for completion by 2029. While the plan is ambitious and one of the municipality’s largest capital projects, residents like Carole Cousineau are both pleased with the upcoming solution yet concerned about the timeline. In the meantime, she plans to save money to replace fixtures and appliances affected by manganese, eagerly awaiting the arrival of clean water in the future.