Water First begins construction of operations hub
A new operations hub for Water First Education and Training Inc. can be seen taking shape on Francis Street East.
A 3,400 square foot addition to an existing building will accommodate equipment storage, distribution and office space for the Creemore based registered charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training, and collaboration.
The main floor of the addition will be accessible by a three-bay garage for easy loading of education and training equipment used in their experiential learning model and an upper level will mainly house offices and meeting space. The two buildings will be connected by a main lobby.
Water First employs 60 people, almost half of which will work out of the new hybrid style Creemore office a couple of days per week.
The build represents a $1.25 million investment, which Water First founder and executive director John Millar says is fully funded by donations from a variety of sources specifically earmarked for the construction of the hub.
“These are folks who understand that we are growing very significantly. We’ve certainly outgrown our existing building and there is just a huge demand for our programming from coast to coast to coast. A lot of incredible donors got behind the equipment building to help us be able to serve communities who are asking for education and training programming,” Millar told The Echo.
Currently, 18 per cent of First Nations communities across Canada are affected by a drinking water advisory.
Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 95 Indigenous communities, supporting youth and young adults pursuing careers in water science through training and certifying drinking water operators, delivering workshops that address environmental water challenges, and engaging Indigenous students through hands-on STEM workshops.
“We’re really proud of all the support and local champions here in Creemore. The water crisis in Indigenous communities is one of the most urgent and complex challenges in Canada today. Water First partners with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as one part of the solution,” said Millar in a press release. “The new operations hub will help us to expand that critical work.”
The construction is expected to continue through to the end of 2026.
Although Water First was denied a commercial development charge
(DC) exemption last year, Clearview Township council did approve an exemption from recreation and library DC charges in the amount of $7,119.80.
“We love being able to base our operations in the village of Creemore and it also provides a really effective springboard for us to be able to engage communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Millar.
“I want to thank the donors who have helped make it happen. Who believe in our mission… We’re excited to be better positioned to do our work on a broader scale.”
Image: A rendering of the new operations hub being built by Water First Education and Training Inc. on consolidated properties at 8 and 10 Francis St. E.
