Semiahmoo First Nation Poised for Major Infrastructure Announcement

SEMIAHMOO TERRITORY, SURREY, BC – January 14, 2026 – Anticipation is building within the Semiahmoo First Nation as leaders prepare to join federal government representatives for a significant announcement on community infrastructure improvements scheduled for Thursday morning. The event, set against the backdrop of the Spirit Stage in Semiahmoo Park, will feature Chief Harley Chappell alongside Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, and Ernie Klassen, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock. While specific details remain under wraps until the official announcement, the gathering signals a new phase of development for a community that has made remarkable strides in recent years.

This forthcoming investment is widely seen as the next crucial step in the Nation's journey toward greater self-sufficiency and improved quality of life, building on the momentum of past collaborative successes.

A New Chapter After a Long-Fought Battle for Clean Water

The context for Thursday's announcement is deeply rooted in the Semiahmoo First Nation's recent history, particularly its arduous and ultimately successful fight for safe drinking water. For 15 years, from 2005 to 2021, the community lived under a permanent boil water advisory, a stark symbol of the critical infrastructure deficits facing many Indigenous communities across Canada. The Nation's outdated and failing water and sewer systems posed a constant health risk and hindered community development.

The tide began to turn with a concerted push for a permanent solution. Spearheaded by the persistent advocacy of Chief Harley Chappell and the Semiahmoo Council, a partnership was forged with the federal government. In June 2017, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) announced initial funding for the design of a new water distribution and wastewater system. This marked the beginning of a multi-year, multi-million dollar project.

The ambitious undertaking involved decommissioning the old system and connecting the Semiahmoo First Nation to the municipal water supply of the nearby City of Surrey. With a federal investment totaling over $15.5 million, construction crews broke ground in March 2019. The project included the installation of new water and sewer pipes and extensive road remediation, transforming the community's foundational infrastructure.

On March 31, 2021, the community celebrated a historic milestone: the lifting of the long-term boil water advisory. For the first time in a generation, all 40 homes on the reserve had access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water directly from their taps. While a moment of triumph, leaders at the time acknowledged that this victory was not an end point, but rather a foundation upon which to build.

Addressing the Broader Infrastructure Gap

With the water crisis resolved, attention has shifted to the broader spectrum of infrastructure needs that remain. Federal officials acknowledged in 2021 that significant work was still required to bring the community's infrastructure to a level comparable with its non-Indigenous neighbors. Thursday's announcement is expected to address some of these lingering gaps.

The term "community infrastructure" is intentionally broad and could encompass a range of vital projects. Key areas of need in First Nations across the country, which are likely priorities for Semiahmoo as well, include housing, health and education facilities, reliable energy systems, all-weather roads, and high-speed internet connectivity. Each of these elements is crucial for fostering healthy, safe, and economically vibrant communities.

Improvements in housing could alleviate overcrowding and provide secure homes for families. New or upgraded community buildings, such as health centers or cultural facilities, could enhance access to essential services and strengthen social cohesion. Enhanced connectivity, a pressing issue in many rural and Indigenous communities, would unlock new opportunities for education, telehealth, and economic participation in the digital age.

The Semiahmoo First Nation's strategic location within the bustling Metro Vancouver region presents unique opportunities and challenges, making robust infrastructure essential for leveraging its economic potential and ensuring its members can thrive.

Federal Commitments and the Path of Reconciliation

The expected investment in Semiahmoo First Nation is a tangible example of the federal government's stated commitment to closing the Indigenous infrastructure gap, a key pillar of its reconciliation agenda. Since 2016, Indigenous Services Canada has invested billions in targeted funding for infrastructure projects in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

According to federal data, ISC has invested approximately $17.44 billion in over 13,000 projects as of late 2025, with a significant portion dedicated to critical water and wastewater systems. The government's most recent budget outlined further substantial commitments, including a proposed $2.3 billion to renew the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program and an increase in the Canada Infrastructure Bank's investment target for Indigenous projects to $3 billion.

These investments are framed not merely as expenditures but as essential contributions to Canada's economic and social fabric. Government policy and reports from Indigenous advocacy groups consistently emphasize that modern, reliable infrastructure is a prerequisite for self-determination, allowing communities to govern effectively, manage their lands and resources, and build sustainable local economies. By addressing historical underfunding, these projects aim to create a foundation for long-term prosperity and well-being.

Economic Ripples and Regional Growth

Beyond the immediate quality-of-life improvements for Semiahmoo members, the upcoming project is poised to generate significant economic benefits that will ripple throughout the region. Large-scale infrastructure projects are powerful economic drivers, creating skilled jobs during the planning and construction phases and fostering long-term employment opportunities.

National studies, including those by the Assembly of First Nations and the Conference Board of Canada, project a substantial return on investment for closing the Indigenous infrastructure gap. Some analyses suggest every dollar invested can add nearly two dollars to Canada's total economic output. The projected creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs annually through such investments underscores their importance as a national economic strategy.

For the Semiahmoo First Nation, this project could mean opportunities for community members and Indigenous-owned businesses to participate in the construction, developing skills and capacity that can be leveraged for future projects. A stronger infrastructure base will also make the Nation a more attractive partner for economic development initiatives, potentially leading to new revenue streams that can be reinvested into community programs and services. The positive effects are expected to spill over into the surrounding municipalities of Surrey and White Rock, boosting local economies and strengthening regional partnerships.