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

National Capital Commission

River House opens to the public!

River House opens to the public!

Having a space right on the water has long been an aspiration of Ottawa Riverkeeper. Never before have we had our own program space. We can’t wait to show you this dream as it begins to take shape! As part of the opening, we heard from Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission, and from Mona Fortier, MP for the Vanier riding where River House is located. Both talked about how important it is to be able to provide the public with access to this amazing river. Afterwards, the media embarked on a tour of the site that included Ottawa Riverkeeper’s new Learning Lab and the NCC’s swimming area.

Polluted water closes Leamy Lake Park beach in Gatineau, Que. for swimming

Polluted water closes Leamy Lake Park beach in Gatineau, Que. for swimming

A popular Gatineau, Que. beach is closed as temperatures begin to warm up. The National Capital Commission says Leamy Lake Park beach is closed for swimming until further notice due to the "class D water quality results." The NCC's website notes the water quality at Leamy Lake is "polluted." Beaches in Gatineau Park at La Peche Lake. Blanchet and O'Brien beaches on Meech Lake and Breton, Parent and Smith beaches on Philippe Lake are open.

E-scooter, bikes, election signs among the items spotted in the drained Rideau Canal

E-scooter, bikes, election signs among the items spotted in the drained Rideau Canal

Parks Canada says staff will clean-up the plastic, garbage and debris spotted floating in the Rideau Canal after water levels were lowered this fall. An e-scooter, bicycles, pylons, election signs and other debris can be spotted on the bottom of the historic waterway after the spring and summer navigation season. Parks Canada lowered water levels along the Rideau Canal through Ottawa to their "lowest level" two weeks ago following the end of the boating season.

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