First Nations Zone
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.
Read the WCWC Land Acknowledgement.
We offer many training courses designed for First Nations communities’ water systems.
Pilot Testing helps you select the best treatment options for addressing water quality challenges.
We provide free learning and practical materials. We also support creating
individual training plans.
Contact our helpline at helpline@wcwc.ca or (855) 306-1155 with any questions about drinking water.
Operator Certification and Training
Close consultation with First Nations community operators led to the development of the following new courses:
- Operator Toolbox – CEU: 0.7
- Watermain Construction and Maintenance – CEU: 0.7
- Drinking Water Advisories in First Nations Communities – CEU: 0.7
- Exam Prep Water Treatment Class III & IV Math – CEU: 0.9
- Introduction to First Nations Guidance Documents (e-learning only) – CEU: 0.7
- Water Stewardship for First Nations Leaders
Explore course catalogue and course schedule for more available courses.
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.
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.
Find out more about course content and requirements at A Guide to Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification for First Nations.
How it works
ELC is delivered over a two-week period:
- Week 1 is a facilitated self-study with either face-to-face or virtual instructor support
- Week 2 includes classroom instruction and a hands-on component delivered by two instructors
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.
Registration for 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.
Upcoming ELC for First Nations sessions
Dryden
Registration Form
Self-Study Week: May 4 – 8, 2026
Classroom Week: June 1 – 5, 2026
Timmins
Registration Form
Self-Study Week: May 25 – 29, 2026
Classroom Week: June 15 – 19, 2026
Sioux Lookout
Registration Form
Self-Study Week: November 2 – 6, 2026
Classroom Week: November 23 – 27, 2026
For updates or to submit registration forms, please email training@wcwc.ca.
We are currently working on 2026 ELC dates and will be posting more soon!
Need a different date?
Participants are also welcome to participate in Entry-Level courses scheduled throughout the Province.
- Funding, travel and accommodation for the course will still be covered for First Nations participants.
- The self-study week would not be available for these courses but the Centre would provide assistance to the participants when needed.
- If there is a specific course you would like to register for, please contact us directly by email at training@wcwc.ca.
More information about regularly scheduled ELC courses can be found at Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators schedule.
Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities Course
The Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities (MWFNC) 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,
- provides resources and practical tools for consideration in developing or making improvements to current practices.
How it works
This course is designed for First Nations Chief and Council, managers and supervisors who have operational responsibility for drinking water systems.
There is no cost for this course for people living in the Province of Ontario.
Upcoming MWFNC courses
Sheguiandah First Nation
April 28, 2026
MWFNC Registration Form – Sheguiandah First Nation
Thunder Bay
June 10, 2026
MWFNC Registration Form – Thunder Bay
Fort Frances
September 24, 2026
MWFNC Registration Form – Fort Frances
Virtual
November 25-26, 2026
MWFNC Registration Form – Virtual
To schedule the MWFNC course specifically for your community or Tribal Council, please email training@wcwc.ca or 1-866-515-0550.
Individual Training Plans for First Nations Water Operators
An individual training plan can assist an operator with career goals and ensuring they are prepared for renewing their license every three years. It can also assist in upgrading their current license and help them prepare for different roles within their community.
Individual training plans can be used for existing employees or new employees.
Training needs will differ on such factors as, type of drinking water treatment, plant classification and location of the community they are working in.
Training plans can span over a period of time, from one year to over the operators’ three-year renewal period.
WCWC will work with managers, supervisors and operators to create individual training plans to support the operator and community’s needs.
Please contact us at inquiry@wcwc.ca or (886) 515-0550 for more information.
Additional Information
For information on the operator certification program and how to obtain a certificate, visit the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) at 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.
To provide feedback to the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, please see our Feedback Process in the Customer Service Policy.