Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.
The Indigenous Services Minister has tabled much-anticipated legislation to improve water quality in First Nations communities. “Created with First Nations, this legislation is the foundation of clean and safe drinking water for generations to come,” stated Minister Patty Hajdu. “It establishes the rights and supports that should have always been there for First Nations. It creates the tools First Nations need to manage their water systems and ensure the water they draw from is safe.”
The drinking water fountain is located on the periphery of the square across from McCabe’s Irish Pub and is the first of its kind in the Waterloo to be attached to an existing fire hydrant, according to Scott Donelle, the city’s manager of water operations and maintenance. The fountain, which can be removed in the fall, will offer the same clean and safe drinking water as all other taps across the city and can be accessed through four stations: a bottle filling station, a drinking station, an accessible drinking station and a pet station at ground level.
Access to clean and safe drinking water is an internationally recognized human right, essential to the full enjoyment of life. Yet, it is under immediate threat. Indigenous communities around the world have historically been excluded from many important decisions on water policy. There is now a growing global acknowledgement that Indigenous Peoples should play a significant role in decision-making about water-related policies.
The media-based water filter market is expected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing awareness about water pollution and the need for clean and safe drinking water. The market is driven by the increasing demand for clean water, especially in developing countries, and the growing awareness about water-borne diseases. In terms of product type, the market can be segmented into activated carbon filters, sand filters, and multimedia filters. Activated carbon filters are expected to dominate the market due to their ability to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other volatile organic compounds.
Last week, Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations (WBAFN), Gezhtoojig Employment & Training, Anishinabek Nation, and Water First Education & Training Inc. celebrated the graduation of 14 interns from the Georgian Bay Drinking Water Internship Program. This program is a paid internship that recruits young Indigenous adults to the drinking water field, and helps them obtain entry-level certifications required to begin their careers in water treatment. Having qualified, local personnel also supports communities in having access to safe, clean drinking water for the long-term.
$179.6M water, wastewater and stormwater budgets fund The city put forward $179.6 million for its water, wastewater and stormwater budgets fund programs and services to ensure Vaughan can deliver clean and safe drinking water, collect wastewater effectively, manage stormwater to mitigate flooding and save for future water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs. The approved increase for the combined water and wastewater rate in 2022 is $0.1551 per cubic metre, or 3.3 per cent, versus 2021. The increase for the 2022 stormwater charge is an average of 4.5 per cent versus 2021.
