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

aquatic ecosystems

How forest fire smoke in the Thunder Bay area is harming waterways

How forest fire smoke in the Thunder Bay area is harming waterways

As Canada continues to battle relentless forest fires, Thunder Bay's blue skies are sometimes turning grey with smoke from fires, both near and far. While the smoky air has created serious health risks for vulnerable groups, it is also putting the region's already at-risk waterways in jeopardy. According to Robert Stewart, an associate professor in the geography department at Lakehead University, the majority of the area's rivers are negatively affected by urbanization and storm water, but must now deal with the side effects of climate change.

Here's a snapshot of some of Canada's salty waterways harming ecosystems

Here's a snapshot of some of Canada's salty waterways harming ecosystems

A number of Canadian cities have exceeded acceptable chloride levels in watersheds in recent years, raising concerns about the impact on freshwater wildlife and other species. The problem largely stems from road salt and saline solutions, which have a chemical compound of chloride to keep roadways safe during winter weather.

Healthy rivers: How DNA tool can help keep tabs on freshwater quality

Healthy rivers: How DNA tool can help keep tabs on freshwater quality

In Canada, these watersheds are vast and often inaccessible, making it difficult to monitor the health of these ecosystems. But with the help of a new tool, scientists and community members are collecting data to better understand the state of Canada’s rivers.

McGill researcher recognized for breakthrough work to remove microplastics during water treatment

McGill researcher recognized for breakthrough work to remove microplastics during water treatment

Amid the challenges of a global pandemic, an early-stage researcher at McGill University has been recognized for his innovative work to remove microplastics during water treatment, ensuring safe drinking water and helping to combat the growing environmental problem of microplastic accumulation in aquatic ecosystems, soils and surface waters. The breakthrough work has earned Mathieu Lapointe the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation — Postdoctoral, awarded by Mitacs, a national innovation organization that fosters growth by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.

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