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.
Several communities on Vancouver Island have started water restrictions as warmer temperatures and sunny weather arrive. Low-level water restrictions, such as when and how much people can water their lawns, are in effect in Nanaimo, Tofino, Parksville, Campbell River and the Comox and Cowichan valleys. "This is about kind of looking forward towards a warm, dry summer season," said Erica Forssman, Nanaimo drinking water and protection program coordinator.
