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

British Columbia

U.S., Canada and Ktunaxa Nation to discuss coal-mining pollution in Kootenai River watershed

U.S., Canada and Ktunaxa Nation to discuss coal-mining pollution in Kootenai River watershed

After years of delays and false starts, eight governments impacted by an expansive Canadian coal-mining operation are set to meet today on Indigenous territory in Cranbrook, British Columbia, to discuss the future of the governments’ shared waterways. The meeting will include representatives from the federal governments of the United States and Canada and the Ktunaxa Nation Council, which advocates for the interests of six bands of Indigenous people spread across present-day British Columbia, Montana and Idaho. The council, which includes representation from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, has for years asked for greater oversight of Teck Resources’ British Columbia-based coal-mining operation.

B.C., Ottawa, First Nations announce conservation agreement worth $1B

B.C., Ottawa, First Nations announce conservation agreement worth $1B

The federal government says it's signed its first major nature agreement with a province and First Nations to mutually support protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. In Vancouver on Friday morning, federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault joined B.C. Premier David Eby, several cabinet ministers from both governments and First Nations leaders to announce a $500-million commitment from both governments for an agreement that would help conserve and protect land, species and biodiversity in the province.

Update: State of local emergency lifts in Harrison Hot Springs as pumps at water plant fixed

Update: State of local emergency lifts in Harrison Hot Springs as pumps at water plant fixed

A state of local emergency has lifted in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, east of Vancouver, just days after it was issued when problems at the local water treatment facility put water availability at risk. A statement from Mayor Ed Wood says two pumps are now in full working order at the plant and an external backup pump is also available, if needed.

‘Historic’ agreement signed to protect more of B.C.’s lands and waters

‘Historic’ agreement signed to protect more of B.C.’s lands and waters

A historic deal signed Friday will protect 30 per cent of B.C.’s lands and waters by 2030. The Trilateral Framework Agreement was signed between the federal and British Columbia governments and the Indigenous-led First Nations Leadership Council. With this agreement, the federal government will be contributing $500 million and the B.C. government has dedicated more than $500 million, which includes a fund for old-growth forests and the opportunity for additional funds from the philanthropic community. The agreement includes a commitment to work together toward protecting 25 per cent by 2025, including on Indigenous protected areas.

Threat of invasive mussels has Okanagan's water board calling for moratorium on out-of-province boats

Threat of invasive mussels has Okanagan's water board calling for moratorium on out-of-province boats

The threat of invasive mussels has led the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) to propose a potential temporary ban on all out-of-province boats entering B.C.'s waterways. James Littley, deputy administrator for the OBWB, said two species of freshwater mussels — zebra and quagga mussels — could be catastrophic to lake and river systems if stringent measures aren't put in place to keep them out of the province.

Local state of emergency in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., as two water pumps fail

Local state of emergency in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., as two water pumps fail

A state of local emergency has been declared in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, east of Vancouver, as two of three pumps at the community's water treatment plant have failed. A statement from Mayor Ed Wood says the availability of water for drinking and firefighting could be at risk. He says the water treatment plant is operating normally on a single pump and a backup external pump has been rented, in case the third one fails.

Lakes in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks closed after suspected whirling disease

Lakes in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks closed after suspected whirling disease

All bodies of water in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks have been closed for the next five months after a suspected case of whirling disease was reported in British Columbia's southeast Rocky Mountains. Parks Canada says in a news release it's the first time the microscopic parasite that causes the fatal disease in fish has been detected in the province.

Threat of water shortage extends state of emergency in McBride, B.C.

Threat of water shortage extends state of emergency in McBride, B.C.

Gene Runtz is worried. As the mayor of McBride, B.C., he is staring down the barrel of a potential water shortage this winter that could leave residents and firefighters desperate during a prolonged drought season. The village, about 180 kilometres east of Prince George in central B.C., declared a state of emergency on Sept. 19 and restricted water usage the following day while under Stage 5 drought conditions — the highest level on the province's severity scale.

Drought reveals cracks in Canada-U.S. Columbia River Treaty as B.C. lake dries up

Drought reveals cracks in Canada-U.S. Columbia River Treaty as B.C. lake dries up

Drought is part of the reason. But so too is the Columbia River Treaty with the United States that obligates B.C. to direct water from the reservoir across the border at American behest. The grim scenes described by Youmans illustrate the stakes in ongoing talks between Canadian and U.S. negotiators to modernize the 62-year-old treaty, as the increased risk of extreme weather weighs on both sides. Part of the treaty that gives the United States direct control over a portion of the water in Arrow Lakes Reservoir and two other B.C. dams is set to expire in September 2024.

Fall's cold arrival hasn't shaken off the impact of B.C.'s months-long drought

Fall's cold arrival hasn't shaken off the impact of B.C.'s months-long drought

Climate geoscientist Joseph Shea didn't have to go far to find evidence of what he calls "exceptional'' hot and dry weather in British Columbia this year. He says he was still gathering raspberries in his garden in Prince George, B.C., last week as temperatures neared 20 C, at a time when the historical average maximum is about 9 C.

As drought dries up B.C. rivers, conservationists turn to beavers for help

As drought dries up B.C. rivers, conservationists turn to beavers for help

The ongoing drought in many parts of B.C. is causing some rivers in the province's northern Interior to reach their driest mid-October levels in years. In Prince George, the unusually low waters have locals worried. Harriet Schoeter moved to the northern B.C. city 60 years ago, and loves walking the shore where the Fraser and Nechako rivers meet. This week, the water was so low she could almost walk right across.

Water main crisis puts Prince Rupert, B.C., under boil-water notice

Water main crisis puts Prince Rupert, B.C., under boil-water notice

A boil-water notice has been issued for the entire city of Prince Rupert, B.C., after its aging water system suffered multiple breaks on Tuesday night. Mayor Herb Pond described the situation in the city of 12,000 people as "armageddon-like," with water gushing out of the ground, washing out streets and flooding people's basements.

The 15 Best Lakes in Canada for Boating

The 15 Best Lakes in Canada for Boating

Nestled across the diverse landscapes of Canada lies a series of remarkable lakes, each offering unique natural beauty and boating opportunities. From the tranquil waters of Porters Lake in Nova Scotia to the expansive majesty of Lake of the Woods in Ontario, these lakes beckon boating enthusiasts worldwide. Whether seeking the thrill of speed boating or the tranquility of kayaking, these waters cater to all. Moreover, according to the Canadian government, Canada is home to over an astonishing 2 million lakes. With so many lakes, narrowing it down to the best is impossible. However, this article will explore a handful of the best lakes across Canada, showcasing the diversity of its waters.

B.C. Climate News: How Metro Vancouver plans to safeguard water as climate changes | Wildfires grow in Argentina's Cordoba province amid heat wave | Could climate change alter the taste of beer?

B.C. Climate News: How Metro Vancouver plans to safeguard water as climate changes | Wildfires grow in Argentina's Cordoba province amid heat wave | Could climate change alter the taste of beer?

“Watering is an ongoing activity,” said Chris Reid, executive gardener with Community Garden Builders. “Some gardeners post signs that say ‘please water me’ to invite neighbours to help.” With much of B.C. in the grip of drought, Metro Vancouver reservoirs, which supply the region’s tap water, were at their lowest level for September in a decade. Rain at the end of the month and into October has since increased levels to about the same as 2021.

Chipping away at our plastic habit, one water bottle at a time

Chipping away at our plastic habit, one water bottle at a time

Ziya Merchant’s multi-school campaign is using plastic water bottles to raise awareness about climate justice. Inspired by Mireta Strandberg-Salmon's campaigns to end bottled water sales at her own high school and at Simon Fraser University, 17-year-old Ziya founded Phasing Out Plastic Bottles (POPB), which in 2022-23 had 15-plus chapters in schools across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and the United States. This year, POPB has interest from schools in other parts of the U.S. and throughout Canada.

28 Indigenous communities in Canada remain on boil water advisories

28 Indigenous communities in Canada remain on boil water advisories

Clean water for all has been discussed for many years as a basic human right. Unfortunately many indigenous communities in Canada are put on a boil water advisory every year due to unclean water conditions. According to the government of Canada website, there are currently 28 Indigenous communities that are on long-term boil advisories throughout the country.

Nicomekl boaters call foul on Surrey's allegations of illegality and sewage dumping

Nicomekl boaters call foul on Surrey's allegations of illegality and sewage dumping

Owners of boats anchored on a section of the Nicomekl River known as the "Hole" say the City of Surrey is wrong to say they are illegally moored and responsible for dumping raw sewage and garbage in the water. Fred Pincock, whose homemade 38-foot gaff cutter, Natalia, is moored at the Hole, says he and other boaters feel Surrey is engaged in a "smear campaign" against them. "It's illegitimate to say it's an illegal moorage, because it's not. That's one of the things that irks a lot of the [boaters] down there. They've been accused of breaking the law — in more ways than one — which isn't fair," he said.

Money, power and an ecosystem are all at stake in Canada-U.S. negotiations over a massive river

Money, power and an ecosystem are all at stake in Canada-U.S. negotiations over a massive river

Walk along the banks of the Columbia River in B.C. and you might be forgiven for thinking it's like any of the province's other big waterways. You might spot a sturgeon, or glimpse one of the more than 60 dams in the Columbia's watershed. But the Columbia is not like other rivers. For one, it crosses the U.S. border to empty into the Pacific in Oregon. The Columbia River basin is also a vital source of electricity, providing about 40 per cent of all U.S. hydroelectric power, while B.C. draws almost half of its total electrical generation from the region.

Efforts underway to save salmon trapped in B.C. lake due to drought

Efforts underway to save salmon trapped in B.C. lake due to drought

Biologists are lending a helping hand to salmon in the B.C. interior that are struggling to make it to their spawning grounds due to severe drought conditions. Jason Hwang, vice-president of salmon with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, has joined Sarah Ostoforoff, a habitat restoration biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, at Kamloops Lake to reconnect it with Tranquille Creek so pink salmon currently trapped in the lake can start their spawning journey.

B.C. drought brings increased flood risks, far-reaching damage, experts warn

B.C. drought brings increased flood risks, far-reaching damage, experts warn

"We have groundwater levels dropping dramatically. We have river levels that are very, very low," said Tom Pypker, chair of the department of natural resource sciences at Thompson Rivers University. "This has implications for farmers who need to extract water to irrigate their crops. This has implications for cities that need to draw water out of these surface water bodies to supply their population."

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