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.
Joint federal and provincial funding will help build a new water treatment plant and reservoir in Beausejour, Man. “The new water treatment plant will provide a safe drinking water source well into the future which will make the Town of Beausejour a sustainable and attractive place to live and invest, ensuring our kids and our families have clean air, water and soil,” said Ray Schirle, mayor of Beausejour.
Concerns are rising as work begins on a water treatment plant in Beausejour, Man., prompting some residents to challenge government officials over potential impacts on the Brokenhead River. The new facility in the east end of the town will treat well water using reverse osmosis. A pipe is being installed along Park Avenue to send the filtered well water the system rejects into the Brokenhead River, raising questions on how that might affect water quality and wildlife.
Residents at a seniors' complex operated by Manitoba Housing in Beausejour have been without hot water for a week, forcing people with visual and mobility challenges to heat water on stoves, then haul it elsewhere to wash themselves. "There are some people here that have no other choice but to bathe in their apartment," said Pat Sayer, who lives in Armstrong Manor, a 21-unit assisted living and independent living complex in the southeastern Manitoba town.
