Mariam Imaq, a resident of a building that houses Iqaluit’s only Inuktitut daycare, recalls the water in her kitchen being like black acrylic paint when she first moved in. The building, managed by Atiilu Real Estate and owned by YWCA Agvik Nunavut, faced water quality issues due to rubber debris from a failed water tank bladder.
While the property manager attributed the problem to this incident last year, another resident reported similar concerns two years prior, mentioning feeling sick and finding “black charcoal” in the water. Lead contamination in the building’s water was discovered in March, leading to a ban on consumption. Although the ban was lifted for cold water in May, hot water still contains lead levels above Health Canada guidelines.
Mylène Ratelle, a public health professor, explained that lead exposure, especially for children, can have lasting cognitive effects. Despite assurances from Atiilu about providing bottled water and lead filters, concerns remain about the health impacts, particularly on the vulnerable children at the daycare.
Imaq emphasized the ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face in accessing safe drinking water, highlighting the need for better support and understanding from landlords to address such critical health issues effectively.