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

Lake of the Woods

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.

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Today’s federal budget recognized that investing in clean water and climate action will deliver many benefits to the economy, to communities, as well as to the health and quality of life of Canadians. As the Government of Canada outlined its intentions to build a clean economy, one that aims to advance sustainable development while reducing environmental risks, new investments in freshwater protection and biodiversity will make important contributions to this goal. Budget 2023 announced new measures to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration of some of Canada’s most iconic – and threatened – lakes and rivers. Over 10 years, $650 million will help to assess and rejuvenate the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Good news for flooded out northwestern Ontario. Lake of the Woods water levels continue to drop

Good news for flooded out northwestern Ontario. Lake of the Woods water levels continue to drop

The water level on Lake of the Woods continues to recede following major flooding in spring and early summer. In its latest update, the Lake of the Woods Secretariat states the lake level declined by six centimetres over the past week, and is expected to drop another eight to 10 centimetres in the coming week. Still, water levels remain high, with the lake above its 2014 peak of 323.78 metres. However, the lake remains below the record set in July 1950, when water levels reached 324.31 metres. High water levels, caused by heavy rainfall and thick snowpack leftover from the winter months, in the region led to major flooding in some areas in spring and early summer, including Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Fort Frances, Red Lake, and Marten Falls First Nation.

Lake of the Woods water levels remain high as area deals with heavy rains this week

Lake of the Woods water levels remain high as area deals with heavy rains this week

Heavy rainfall in the Kenora area has slowed the drop in the Lake of the Woods water level. Municipalities in the Lake of the Woods watershed struggled with heavy flooding in recent months. The Lake of the Woods Secretariat, in its most recent update, stated the lake's level remains above its 2014 peak, but is below the record level set in July 1950. With recent rainfall in the area, and forecasted precipitation in the coming days, the lake is expected to rise slightly before resuming its drop, the secretariat said.

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.

Rain in the forecast means Lake of the Woods water level likely to rise again

Rain in the forecast means Lake of the Woods water level likely to rise again

Rain in the forecast could increase the water level on Lake of the Woods again in the next few days, just as flood conditions were beginning to improve. As of Friday, the lake was 324.1 metres (1,063.3 feet) above sea level, just a few centimetres below its record crest of 324.31 metres (1,064 feet) above sea level reached during the flood of 1950, according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board. However, rainfall is expected to rise between five and 11 centimetres (two to four inches) over the next week, with most of the rise occurring over the weekend, says the board's most recent notice.

Winnipeg River receding in Manitoba after record Whiteshell flood

Winnipeg River receding in Manitoba after record Whiteshell flood

Owners of resorts and cottages along the Winnipeg River in Whiteshell Provincial Park can breathe a sigh of relief, as the Manitoba portion of the waterway is receding following a record flood. The Winnipeg River has crested from the Ontario border to Seven Sisters Falls, according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board. The river's peak flow at Seven Sisters Falls was approximately 125,000 cubic feet per second. That's roughly three and a half times the usual volume for this time of year.

Blue-green algae blooms on Lake of the Woods lasting longer, later

Blue-green algae blooms on Lake of the Woods lasting longer, later

Blue-green algae blooms in parts of Lake of the Woods can change the appearance of the water and these blooms have the potential to cause some harm to pets or people who choose to take a drink or a swim. Blue-green algae blooms are common in parts of the lake, which straddles Ontario, Manitoba and Minnesota. However, they are generally not seen late in the year or in some of the locations they are now being found. As well, the blooms can be toxic.

Northwestern Health Unit warns of blue-green algae in Kenora area

Northwestern Health Unit warns of blue-green algae in Kenora area

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.

Decreasing water levels in Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul

Decreasing water levels in Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul

Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul have been hit hard this year with decreasing water levels. The current level of the Lake of the Woods is 322.75 m (1058.9 ft), which is equal to a 30th percentile (per cent of distribution that is equal to or below it) which is considered normal for this time of the year. This past week the lake water level has fallen by 1cm (½ in), and is still expected to drop further by 1 to 3 cm ( 1 in) over the next week.

Have Your Say: Environment and Climate Change Canada Public Sessions - Managing Algae Blooms on Lake of the Woods

Have Your Say: Environment and Climate Change Canada Public Sessions - Managing Algae Blooms on Lake of the Woods

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has completed four years of water quality research on Lake of the Woods and now wants to hear from you regarding their proposed ecosystem objectives and phosphorus reduction options to help manage algal blooms. To take part in this virtual webinar, please register at www.lowwsf.com/eccc-consultation

After three months without water, the taps are running again in Big Grassy River First Nation

After three months without water, the taps are running again in Big Grassy River First Nation

Water is flowing through the taps once again in Big Grassy River First Nation after three months without consistent, potable water. However, the current water is untreated and coming directly from Lake of the Woods as the community waits for repairs to the water filtration system. The result is that community members have had to go to the beach to collect water for basic sanitation needs, and buildings have been shuttered and the school remains closed to students until a running, drinkable water service is restored.

A century of water: As Winnipeg aqueduct turns 100, Shoal Lake finds freedom

A century of water: As Winnipeg aqueduct turns 100, Shoal Lake finds freedom

The taps to Winnipeg's drinking water were first turned on in April 1919, but as the city celebrated its engineering feat and raised glasses of that clear liquid, another community's fortunes suddenly turned dark. Construction of a new aqueduct plunged Shoal Lake 40 into a forced isolation that it is only now emerging from, 100 years after Winnipeg's politicians locked their sights on the water that cradles the First Nation at the Manitoba–Ontario border. "The price that our community has paid for one community to benefit from that resource, it's just mind-boggling," said Shoal Lake 40 Chief Erwin Redsky.

Invasive zebra mussel larva found in lake that supplies Winnipeg drinking water

Invasive zebra mussel larva found in lake that supplies Winnipeg drinking water

A larval-stage zebra mussel has been found in water from Ontario's Shoal Lake, which is connected to Lake of the Woods and is the source of Winnipeg's drinking water. A single intact veliger, the microscopic larva of a zebra mussel, was found in one of six water samples taken from the lake, according to a news release issued jointly on Monday by the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario.

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