Lands & Infrastructure Updates – Spring 2026

The ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation Lands, Public Works, Capital Projects, and Housing Departments would like to share several updates on projects and initiatives currently underway throughout the community.

These projects support long-term planning, infrastructure improvements, housing services, and ongoing community development.

Lands Department Updates

The Lands Department would like to share a quick update on the Legacy Issues Project, which has been underway over the past year.

This work is focused on improving the Nation’s land information and helping move toward future allotment goals by creating more accurate lot boundary information for community members.

As part of this project, staff have been working on several important initiatives, including a community drone survey completed last summer and ongoing GIS mapping of utilities and infrastructure throughout the community. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in helping build clearer and more accurate land records for future generations.

Some community members may have noticed visitors in the community earlier this month. From May 5–8, representatives from the Lands Advisory Board Resource Centre (LABRC) were in ʼNa̱mg̱is to support the next phase of survey preparation work.

Patti Wight, Regional Manager, Luke Forbes, Land Survey Analyst, and Rob Pinkerton, Survey Advisor spent time with Lands staff conducting site reviews and meeting with community members to better understand historical lot boundaries and land-related concerns.

Survey work is expected to begin over the coming months, and community members may notice survey crews working in different areas throughout the community as the project moves forward.

The Lands Department recognizes that land and boundaries are deeply important to many families and appreciates everyone who has taken the time to speak with staff, share stories, and help guide this work. Additional updates will continue to be shared as the project progresses.

Public Works Updates

The Public Works Department would also like to share a few updates from around the community.

This spring, a new UTV was added to the Public Works fleet to help improve efficiency as crews move between work sites and complete day-to-day maintenance throughout the community.

Community members may also notice Seasonal Landscaper Aydan Cook working throughout the community to help keep shared spaces clean and well maintained during the summer season.

The department would also like to extend a huge thank you to the Public Works crew for another successful Spring Cleanup. This is a major undertaking each year and requires significant additional effort on top of regular daily responsibilities.

Thank you to Curtis, Scott, Frank, Kevin B., Kevin C., Allan, and office supports William and Gina for all of their hard work and dedication to keeping the community running smoothly and looking its best.

Capital Projects Updates

Several important infrastructure projects are currently underway or moving through final approval stages.

A project approval request is currently pending for significant drainage upgrades throughout the community. This work would include improvements and additions to drainage infrastructure to help address ongoing drainage concerns, along with road repairs and paving for the Gatu laneway and the gravel section of Atli.

Another project approval request is in place for the replacement of the water main on Smitty’s Hill. Both projects are currently in the final approval stages before construction, and work is hoped to begin in the near future.

In addition, the Nation is currently in the design phase for road repairs to Gatu above Mamakwa. This project will include the construction of a retaining wall system to help stabilize the area and protect the roadway long term.

Design work is also underway for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through the addition of a SCADA system.

A SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) allows operators to remotely monitor and manage equipment and system performance in real time, helping improve efficiency, reliability, and early detection of operational issues within the treatment system.

The Nation is also nearing completion of a subdivision feasibility study focused on creating additional housing capacity within the community. As part of this work, assessments are being completed to better understand current and future wastewater and water system capacity needs.

In addition, the feasibility stage of a slope stability assessment along Front Street is nearing completion. This work is helping identify potential risks related to slope movement and will support future planning around mitigation options to help address concerns related to possible slope failure in the area.

Housing Department Updates

The Housing Department would also like to share several important updates with the community.

A new housing webpage and updated online forms are now available for housing applications and for community members needing to update their information with the Nation.

Community members with pending housing applications, insurance coverage through the Nation, or those wishing to be considered for future home renovations are encouraged to ensure their contact information is current. Keeping information updated helps staff communicate more effectively and better plan for housing programs and services.

For community members who previously had heat pumps installed through the Nation’s program, please expect a one-time service visit this year coordinated by ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation. These visits are intended to provide additional education, troubleshooting support, and maintenance guidance to help reduce ongoing issues with installed systems.

The heat pump installation program is currently on hold. Community members will be notified if and when the program reopens for new installations.

The Housing Department is also excited to share that the two new CMHC homes on Atli are nearing completion. Tenants have now been selected through the Housing Committee allocation process, and families will be moving into the homes very soon.

Over the coming months, the department will also be working toward updating and implementing a new Housing Policy. The goal of these updates is to help streamline housing operations, improve consistency, and better meet the needs of tenants and homeowners throughout the community.

Looking Ahead

These projects reflect ongoing work happening across multiple departments to support infrastructure, housing, land management, and long-term community planning within ʼNa̱mg̱is.

Thank you to all staff, contractors, community members, and partners contributing to this work. Additional updates will continue to be shared as projects move forward.