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 Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is warning of blue-green algae blooms in the Kenora area. Blooms have been reported in the northern sections of Lake of the Woods, as well as in the Winnipeg River and Muriel Lake, the NWHU said. The Muriel Lake bloom is being tested, but the NWHU said water samples will not be taken from Lake of the Woods or the Winnipeg River at this time.
In addition, the NWHU said another bloom has been reported in Lulu Lake near Kenora. People are asked to avoid the water in those lakes, as blue-green algae can produce toxins which can pose a health risk to people an animals. The water shouldn't be used for swimming, drinking,or household purposes for at least two weeks after the bloom has dissipated.
The Northwestern Health Unit is warning people to avoid the water on three lakes in the region due to blue-green algae blooms. One of the blooms is located north of Frog Rapids in Abram Lake, near Sioux Lookout. Water from the area is being tested by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. The second bloom is in the Bonny Bay Road area of Wabigoon Lake, near Dryden. The health unit said another blue-green algae bloom has already been confirmed on the north end of Wabigoon Lake, so water will not be tested.
