Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

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.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

City of Guelph tightens water restrictions as dry weather continues

City of Guelph tightens water restrictions as dry weather continues

Residents in Guelph are currently forbidden from watering their lawns, and may be fined if they do. A number of regions in Ontario have implemented water restrictions due to the drier than usual weather. “We’re definitely in a dry spell, and as a result, we are using more water in terms of watering lawns and various activities,” said Mari MacNeil, environmental services at the City of Guelph. “Guelph is on an underground water base system. We need to be very careful about our water use.” Environment Canada said since the middle of June, southwestern Ontario has been drier than normal.

Penhorn Beach in Dartmouth closed to swimming due to bacteria

Penhorn Beach in Dartmouth closed to swimming due to bacteria

Penhorn Beach in Dartmouth, N.S., is closed to swimming until further notice due to high levels of bacteria in the water. Recent testing by city staff showed the bacteria levels exceed Health Canada swimming guidelines, according to a news release from the Halifax Regional Municipality on Friday. High bacteria levels can be caused by a number of factors, including dogs, birds, wildlife, and high temperatures.

New Brunswick announces the protection of another 100,000 hectares of land and water

New Brunswick announces the protection of another 100,000 hectares of land and water

The New Brunswick government said Thursday it will protect another 100,000 hectares of land, as part of its commitment to double the amount of protected land and water in the province. The new designation would permit hiking, camping and hunting in the protected areas but restrict activities such as timber harvesting, mining and quarrying, Natural Resources Minister Mike Holland told reporters. “Land doesn’t protect itself and forests don’t conserve themselves — they need a voice,” Holland said.

N.B. wastewater data suggests some COVID-19 cases went undetected in 2021

N.B. wastewater data suggests some COVID-19 cases went undetected in 2021

Public Health officials have raised questions around whether some COVID-19 cases in New Brunswick went undetected in early 2021, after an apparent mismatch between the amount of COVID-19 appearing in wastewater and the province's own COVID-19 testing. The wastewater data shows four apparent spikes of COVID-19 in 2021: on Feb. 8, March 18, April 29 and June 28, all times when there were "minimal cases or positive tests" reported and PCR testing was widely offered. The wastewater testing is conducted by the City of Moncton, which has a partnership with Dalhousie University, and is provided to New Brunswick Public Health. CBC News obtained a copy of the test results, and discussion within the Department of Health about the results, through access to information.

Residents fear homes, farmland in Ontario's Hillman Marsh area will go under water without federal help

Residents fear homes, farmland in Ontario's Hillman Marsh area will go under water without federal help

Residents, environmentalists and the mayor of Leamington, Ont., say homes and businesses are at severe risk while Ottawa considers an application for millions of dollars to help protect the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area on the Point Pelee peninsula against Lake Erie flooding. Wayne King, founder of the Leamington Shoreline Association, says immediate action is needed to prevent the possibility of destructive flooding in the southwestern Ontario community.  "There's 500 homes and businesses out there that would be under water," he said.

No more lawn watering for now: City’s outside water use program moves to level 2 red

No more lawn watering for now: City’s outside water use program moves to level 2 red

In response to low river levels, increased water use and dry weather,  the City is bumping watering restrictions up to level 2 red today. At level 2 red: lawn watering is not permitted, decorative gardens can only be watered between 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates based on address number; odd numbered houses can water on odd numbered dates, and even numbered houses on even dates, no restrictions on watering food gardens and trees, at–home vehicle washing (cars, boats, trailers, etc.) is not permitted, decorative fountains must recirculate water or be turned off, garden or outdoor hoses in use must have a shut-off nozzle, and wasting water, such as washing driveways, decks and sidewalks, is not permitted.

This Makes It Personal: How climate change is affecting life in northwestern Ontario

This Makes It Personal: How climate change is affecting life in northwestern Ontario

This spring, the CBC's Amy Hadley set out to explore climate change's effect on northwestern Ontario for the radio series This Makes It Personal. The series introduces audiences to people who are facing down the impacts of climate change in their daily lives and what they're doing about it: From how a remote First Nation is adapting to changing water and patterns, to wolverines and their changing habitats, and a support group helping people through climate anxiety. 

Dawson College wins international sustainability award by 'living the learning'

Dawson College wins international sustainability award by 'living the learning'

Through initiatives like its edible rooftop gardens, planting trees on campus and a commitment to carbon neutrality, Montreal's Dawson College has for years proven to be a leader in sustainability. Now, it's been crowned a champion of it. The CEGEP has won Sustainability Institution of the Year at the International Green Gown Awards, which recognize and celebrate the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges around the world.

Kontrol Technologies receives National Research Council of Canada funds to accelerate development of wastewater testing technology

Kontrol Technologies receives National Research Council of Canada funds to accelerate development of wastewater testing technology

Kontrol Technologies Corp (OTCQB:KNRLF, NEO:KNR) announced that its subsidiary CEM Specialties Inc has received funding of up to $300,000 and advisory services from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program. The funds and support are for a research and development project to accelerate its new wastewater testing technology, the Kontrol BioWater analyzer for the detection of viruses including COVID-19.

Swimming not recommended at all but 2 local beaches due to E. coli

Swimming not recommended at all but 2 local beaches due to E. coli

Swimming is not recommended at six local beaches and one is closed due to high levels of E. coli. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says six beaches — Belle River Beach, Colchester Beach, Holiday Beach, Mettawas Beach, Point Pelee and Seacliff Beach — are not currently recommended for swimming due to the presence of the illness-causing bacteria. The beaches are under a warning, meaning the waters are unsafe for swimming, but they remain open.

Canada and FCM announce major investments to improve water quality in Ontario communities

Canada and FCM announce major investments to improve water quality in Ontario communities

Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change. By investing in community initiatives that cut pollution and support efficient local infrastructure, we can keep our air clean and build strong, healthy communities for everyone to call home. This is why the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in smart, sustainable solutions from coast to coast to coast.

City prepares to begin smart water meter replacements

City prepares to begin smart water meter replacements

The City of Moose Jaw is hoping for full compliance when it begins installing new smart water meters in homes starting this October.  The project will see over 12,000 meters replaced over two years with smart meters that can be read remotely and give more accurate readings. The city has hired Neptune Technology Group Canada to do the installations.  “My own involvement in working with Neptune is that they are a well-positioned company to do this work, and they've seen it all before. They haven't been surprised by any of the questions that we've posted to date,” said Director of Engineering Bevin Harlton. They will have four installers working weekly, averaging 160 installations per week and 640 installations per month. The installations will come at no extra cost to the homeowner. 

City of Toronto issues third social bond

City of Toronto issues third social bond

Yesterday, the City of Toronto issued its third social bond. Toronto was the first – and remains the only – government in Canada to establish a Social Debenture Program, furthering its leadership in sustainable finance while promoting positive and equitable socioeconomic outcomes. This social bond issuance was for $235 million, with a 20-year maturity, a coupon interest rate of 4.55 per cent and will mature on July 27, 2042. It was issued on July 11 and will settle on July 27. Despite sustained concerns about inflation and the economic implications from the rising interest rate environment, investor confidence in both the City and Toronto’s economy remains strong. This issuance was very well-received and has a total of 29 Canadian and international investors. The proceeds will be used to fund Council-approved capital projects from several City divisions and agencies, such as Toronto Transit Commission’s Easier Access program, and the George Street Revitalization project. The City’s Social Debenture Program advances positive social action and sustainability for all Torontonians.

Canada's instrument on Webb confirms water in atmosphere of exoplanet

Canada's instrument on Webb confirms water in atmosphere of exoplanet

Canadian Space Agency, NASA and ESA release Webb Telescope's first science images of cosmic objects thousands of light-years away LONGUEUIL, QC, July 12, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, a glimpse of the hidden universe was revealed through the release of the James Webb Space Telescope's first science images and spectroscopic data. Observations made by the powerful space telescope uncovered an array of spectacular cosmic features. Future discoveries enabled by Webb promise to redefine our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

EDITORIAL: Planet under stress

EDITORIAL: Planet under stress

In his 1963 science fiction novel, author Walter Tevis writes about an extraterrestrial who travels to Earth in a grandiose quest to ship water back to his dying planet.  If the novel was re-released today, the extraterrestrial (who, incidentally, was played by rock legend David Bowie in the 1976 movie version) would more likely take one look at our once pristine home and keep on moving in hopes of finding a more inviting celestial object. 

Irving Oil invests in electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water

Irving Oil invests in electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water

Irving Oil is expanding hydrogen capacity at its Saint John, N.B., refinery in a bid to lower carbon emissions and offer clean energy to customers. The family-owned company said Tuesday it has a deal with New York-based Plug Power Inc. to buy a five-megawatt hydrogen electrolyzer that will produce two tonnes of hydrogen a day — equivalent to fuelling 60 buses with hydrogen — using electricity from the local grid.

Okanagan water board advocates millions for water management

Okanagan water board advocates millions for water management

The Okanagan Basin Water Board is asking the province to invest millions in three water stewardship projects for the 2023-24 budget. And Anna Warwick Sears, executive director of the OBWB, says to not make that investment now will only cost millions of dollars more in the future. Warwick Sears recently presented a submission to the BC Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for Budget 2023 calling for: Funding for a review of the Okanagan Lake regulation system and operating plan at a cost of $1 million annually for the next four years;

Saskatchewan's Water Supply Conditions Have Improved Entering the Summer Months

Saskatchewan's Water Supply Conditions Have Improved Entering the Summer Months

The Water Security Agency has prepared the Water Supply Conditions and Outlook report for July. While rainfall varied across the province in June, lake and reservoir levels across most of Saskatchewan are near normal and surface water supplies have improved over the past month. In northern Saskatchewan, precipitation varied from well below normal in the far northwest to well above normal in southern and eastern areas. Thunderstorm activity resulted in precipitation varying locally as well. The additional runoff in the Churchill River Basin has resulted in flows being above normal across the basin.

Algal bloom or pollen?: Salmon Arm city councillor wants more timely water testing

Algal bloom or pollen?: Salmon Arm city councillor wants more timely water testing

A Salmon Arm councillor would like to see a more timely, data-driven response to potential algal blooms in Shuswap Lake. At the July 11 council meeting, Coun. Debbie Cannon raised concerns around the algal bloom advisory issued for parts of Shuswap Lake by Interior Health (IH) on June 28 – and subsequently shared through the media. She was concerned the advisory went out prior to the Canada Day long weekend without testing or verification.

Cleanup continues as northwestern Ontario floodwaters recede

Cleanup continues as northwestern Ontario floodwaters recede

As floodwaters continue to recede, the Town of Fort Frances, Ont., has begun cleaning up and making infrastructure repairs. But that will take some time. "The problem with doing all of these repairs is ... the water is going down, but it's still very high," said Travis Rob, Fort Frances's manager of operations and facilities. "So we really can't start any of this work until the water reaches that normal level.

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