Thessalon First Nation
Public Works and Infrastructure
Thessalon First Nation Public Works Department provides a wide range of services to the community such as:
- maintenance of buildings
- fire emergency
- ditching
- septic systems
- waste management
- water mains
- grass cutting
- brushing
Public Works mandate is to ensure the health and safety of both their employees and the community at large through regular maintenance of the unit itself and the First Nation.
- Road Maintenance
- ditching and draining
- winter snow-removal
- roadside bushing
- new road Construction
- dust control
- road signs
- grading and patching all roads
- control beaver dams
- replace and install and clean out culverts
- clean roadside garbage
The department currently has 2 garages equipped with the following:
- backhoe
- 5-ton snowplow
- 1-ton sander/snowplow
- zamboni
- road sweeper
- fire truck
Public Works has been working with a twenty year capital plan (2004-2025) on the future infrastructure needs of our beautiful community.

Water Plant Treatment
Thessalon First Nation Water Treatment Plant is located within the Public Works building. It is classified as a limited groundwater substation supplied with a chemical feed system and 2 wells at 30 meters in depth with approximately 3408 meters of 6' underground waterline and 17 fire hydrants. Hydrants are set up for flushing purposes and not for firefighting. Thessalon First Nation delivers safe drinking water to 63 housing units and 5 band buildings. The Water Plant is monitored and recorded by 2 certified operators on a daily basis. Our weekly bacterial and e.coli testing is sent to an accredited lab and also recorded. Thessalon First Nation water monitoring program has an agreement with Health Canada (EHO) to consult and collect quarterly samples of our drinking water.
The Water Treatment Plant ensures the following:
- Ensuring the community has safe drinking water
- Monitor and test water daily
- Log and report any adverse water conditions
- Flushing program
- Install new waterlines
- Replace and repair broken waterlines
- Update all training requirements
- Report to Chief and Council
- Liaise with Health Canada (EHO)
- Operators on call 24 hours

Fire Safety and Prevention
Thessalon First Nation has a new 2009 Pumper truck located in the Public Works garage along with some firefighting equipment. The Public Works Staff maintains and installs 911 numbers and ensures that all band buildings are equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. The Huron Shores Volunteer Fire Department (Station 1) responds to all fire related calls on the First Nation on a Mutual Type Agreement basis.
The Fire Safety Department ensures the following:
- A volunteer fire department
- Ensure all banding have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
- All exit lights are working
- Maintain and install 911 numbers
- Impose fire ban when needed

Community Infrastructure
Community Hall
The heart of the community is without a doubt the community hall. It is a large hall that can accommodate all members of the First Nation to ensure the continuation of our close-knit community. Community meetings and social events are held here regularly.
Arena
TFN has a beautiful arena to be used for activities all year round. This open-air arena has boards installed as well as an expansive roof and lighting to rival many rinks in larger communities. The ice is frequently groomed with a Zamboni to ensure a smooth ice surface is always ready to be used during the winter months.
Day Camp/Gym
In order to promote healthy living we strive to provide a well-stocked gym for members and the ability to purchase a membership. It has cardio machine as well as equipment for lifting weights. It is a great facility that is convenient due to it's short distance from most community members homes.
Park/Ballfield
Our playing areas include our park and baseball field. The park is enjoyed by many of our children and their friends from the very young to the older youth. We are also pleased with having our own baseball field which is appreciated by all community members. During the warm months we are able to use this area for day camp activities, baseball games and baseball tournaments.
Burial Ground
Thessalon First Nation’s cemetery is our sacred burial ground where our ancestors and family members remain. It is our obligation to ensure that our relatives are buried in a proper manner and place to protect them from disturbance and desecration. They need to be sheltered, fed, visited and feasted. These traditions exhibit our continuity and close knit community.
Pow Wow Grounds
Our annual pow wow offers a celebration of healing and spiritual growth for our community and friends. The fun filled event offers a variety of songs, drums and dance. We follow a traditional pow wow held in keeping with the spirit of generosity and acceptance of all people and in keeping with the policies set by the committee for good order. Pow Wow rules will be enforced.
Special Projects
In addition to their normal duties Public Works undertakes a number of special projects throughout the year. They landscape around the community during the summer as well as ensure the pow-wow grounds are ready to host another wonderful event. They also work at splitting logs to ensure there is affordable firewood for community members to purchase for the long winter months.
Other services Public Works offers:
- Cut, split and deliver fire wood
- Lakeside clean up
- Plow elders driveways
- Housing renovations (Elders, RAPP)
- Install septic systems
Source: https://www.thessalonfirstnation.ca/public-works.html
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