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.
A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, because of inconsistent chlorine levels at the community's water treatment plant, according to the territory's health department. Health officials say all water that's being consumed should be boiled for at least a minute. That includes water being used to wash fruits and vegetables, to cook, and to brush teeth. The department says it'll let the community know when the advisory has lifted.
The City of Iqaluit shut down its water treatment plant Wednesday after the water was contaminated last week with fuel for the second time. The city said a breach in the system is suspected to have caused residents to smell fuel in their water, with breaches detected last week and Wednesday. The city said it is using a bypass system to pump water to residents instead and the entire territorial capital is now under a precautionary boil water advisory.
