First Nations
TOOLS & INFORMATION
Many First Nations communities in Ontario choose to follow provincial training and certification requirements, and participate in Ontario’s Operator Certification and Training Program.
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is committed to supporting First Nations drinking water systems in Ontario. Established in 2004, the Centre provides a state-of-the-art facility and highly skilled research and training staff to meet the specific needs of drinking water operators in Ontario, including operators in First Nations communities.
Operator Certification and Training
Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council (KO) and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) have entered into a partnership to collaborate on projects that support drinking water operator training, certification and mentorship to First Nations communities in Ontario. Information about the projects being undertaken through this collaborative effort will be communicated to all First Nations communities in Ontario. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – KO, WCWC
Entry-Level Course for
Drinking Water Operators
The Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (ELC) is being offered to operators of First Nations systems to help meet their training needs.
ELC Introduction Letter to Tribal Councils in Ontario – September 2017
The ELC for First Nations provides operators with a basic understanding of water characteristics and public health, water science and mathematics, treatment and distribution systems.
A Guide to Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification for First Nations
It is delivered over a two-week period:
– Week 1 – facilitated self-study with face-to-face instructor support
– Week 2 – classroom instruction and hands-on component delivered by two instructors
Registration for the ELC for First Nations is free of charge and course participants’ travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed based on the Ontario Government Travel Directive. The course is available to current operators in First Nations communities as well as others in the community who have an interest in becoming a drinking water operator.
Upcoming ELC for First Nations sessions:
Email training@wcwc.ca for updates or to submit registration forms.
Registration Form Dryden
Week 1: August 9 to 13, 2021
Week 2: August 23 to August 27, 2021
Timmins
Registration Form Timmins
Week 1: September 13 to 17, 2021
Week 2: September 27 to October 1, 2021
Thunder Bay
Registration Form Thunder Bay
Week 1: October 25 to 29, 2021
Week 2: November 15 to 18, 2021
Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities Course
The Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities course is designed as an introduction to management practices related to the drinking water systems in First Nations communities. The course provides a high-level overview of drinking water systems, explores components of effective drinking water system management and provides resources and practical tools for consideration in developing or making improvements to current practices.
All upcoming Managing Drinking Water in First Nations sessions will be offered virtually for the time being:
This is a live virtual training session which takes place in the mornings over two days with interaction between trainer and participants.
Participants will require access to a computer with internet, a camera, microphone and access to Zoom, YouTube and Surveyplanet (links will be sent by chat during Zoom session).
A manual for this session will be couriered to the participants a week prior to the delivery and a link will be sent by email to join the live session.
Target Audience: This course is designed for First Nations Chief and Council, managers and supervisors who have operational responsibility for drinking water systems.
Fee: There is no cost for this 7-hour course. (07 CEUs)
Inquiries: To schedule this course for your community or tribal council please contact WCWC at training@wcwc.ca or 866-515-0550.
Drinking Water Resource Library
WCWC's online resource library offers information on emerging and current issues, first nations resources, regulations, and much more.
Pilot testing provides information to the Centre's clients to enhance their understanding of their source water characteristics, the performance of their treatment and those of alternative treatment options.
RESOURCES
Additional information
For information on the operator certification program and how to obtain a certificate, visit the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) website: www.owwco.ca.
For communities with small drinking water systems, visit our website’s Small Systems Zone for training and resources related to small systems.
WCWC Support Services
WCWC offers a Helpline service for Ontario’s owners, operators, and operating authorities of drinking water systems and members from the public. Through this initiative, WCWC provides information, education and advice to address questions related to drinking water including treatment processes, equipment, operational requirements and environmental factors.
WCWC has a considerable amount of technical knowledge to offer and will strive to provide you with tailored information relating to your query.
Call the helpline toll free at 1-855-306-1155 or email helpline@wcwc.ca
WCWC is pleased to offer a new online service, the Drinking Water Resource Library. The Drinking Water Resource Library was developed to provide easy access to trusted resources related to drinking water. The library consists of a catalog of documents and features multiple search functions to ease the research of information.