A state of emergency remains in effect for Oneida Nation of the Thames. On December 15th, 2022, they declared a state of emergency that was due to low water levels in the Oneida water tower. The levels went from very low to very high in a short time frame and the conserve water notice has been lifted. However, the long term boil water advisory that was made in September 2019 remains in effect.
The Oneida Emergency Control Group met with representatives from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Emergency Management Ontario, Public Safety Canada, the City of London, Middlesex County, and the Ministry of Natural Resources to create short-term relief, including expensive external water truck deliveries to fill the water tower. The long-term solution, however, remains a long, drawn-out process and has yet to be determined.
The boil water advisory affects 546 homes and 22 community buildings. Several social media campaigns and a call to action to contact local Members of Parliament have been done, but little action has taken place. Oneida Nation of the Thames continues to ask the public to support the need for clean drinking water by contacting their local Members of Parliament to voice their opinion and address the issue.
written by: K. Close