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

blue-green algae

A prolonged, severe algae bloom is causing 'musty' tap water for Regina, Moose Jaw consumers

A prolonged, severe algae bloom is causing 'musty' tap water for Regina, Moose Jaw consumers

The tap water in the Regina and Moose Jaw areas might smell funky and taste a little off these days, but the people responsible for the water say it's still safe to drink. There has been a prolonged and severe bloom of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at Buffalo Pound Lake, which is where the tap water comes from, "These organisms produce some compounds, chemical compounds, that produce the taste and odours that people describe as algae or musty," said Blair Kardash, who is the laboratory manager at the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant. 

No need to stay out of all water, but use caution as blue-green algae reports increase

No need to stay out of all water, but use caution as blue-green algae reports increase

Blue-green algae continues to show up in lakes across the province. Halifax Regional Municipality closed Cunard Lake Beach in Williams Lake on Thursday morning because of a bloom of the toxic algae, which can sicken people and kill pets within a short time.

Seven things you should know about blue-green algae

Seven things you should know about blue-green algae

It happens every summer: blue-green algae bloom into vast blankets of colourful scum in lakes, disrupting ecosystems and potentially exposing people to toxins. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, act as single-celled microscopic plants fuelled by high temperatures and nutrients often found in chemical runoff.

Health unit warns of blue-green algae blooms in Midland

Health unit warns of blue-green algae blooms in Midland

The health unit is warning swimmers: if in doubt, stay out. With the onset of the hot weather, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit encourages local residents to exercise caution around slow-moving waterways. The first blue-green algae bloom of 2023 was recently confirmed in Little Lake in Midland.

Blue-green algae in 16 lakes across Nova Scotia already

Blue-green algae in 16 lakes across Nova Scotia already

The province’s Environment and Climate Change Department says 16 lakes have been identified as having toxic blue-green algae so far this year, with all reports coming in June. At the same point last year only eight lakes had been identified as having a bloom of the algae. Elizabeth Kennedy, the director of the water branch for the department, said that while there may be more instances this year because of hot and dry weather in May and June, the department has also been pushing its awareness campaign so more people could be reporting sightings.

Come on in, the water’s fine: Sask. lake shakes off the algae

Come on in, the water’s fine: Sask. lake shakes off the algae

In July, 2022, an SHA notice posted on the resort village’s Facebook page warned people to avoid swimming or skiing and to keep children and pets away from the water. The village later levels of toxic blue-green algae were 600 times higher than recommended for public recreation. This year, it’s a different story. “We don’t have any issues in terms of blue-green algae and E. coli,” said Mattick. “So it’s good for swimming or whatever you want to do.”

Northern Sask. Grade 11 student earns national recognition for research on blue-green algae in lakes

Northern Sask. Grade 11 student earns national recognition for research on blue-green algae in lakes

It was widely believed that cyanobacteria wasn't in lakes far north in Saskatchewan because the water was too cold, but a Grade 11 student at the Clearwater River Dene School is disproving those theories. Ava Haynes' research on cyanobacteria — also known as blue-green algae — in lakes near her home community in northwestern Saskatchewan earned her a Bronze Excellence Award at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton last month.

Province says blue-green algae detected in 4 Nova Scotia lakes

Province says blue-green algae detected in 4 Nova Scotia lakes

The Nova Scotia government has detected blue-green algae in Oat Hill Lake in Dartmouth, Armstrong Lake and Lake Torment in Kings County, and Covey Lake in Lunenburg County. The algae produces toxins that can cause illness in humans and can be fatal to pets. Blue-green algae occurs in all parts of Nova Scotia and once it appears in a body of water, it will bloom again when the conditions are right.

Blue-green algae is back. Here are some tips to protect you and your pet

Blue-green algae is back. Here are some tips to protect you and your pet

Although it isn't quite summer yet, blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is already showing up in New Brunswick waterways. Meghann Bruce, a researcher and instructor with the University of New Brunswick Canadian Rivers Institute, said as soon as the ice went out in early May, there was a "bloom" in Blue Bell Lake near Grand Falls.

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Pine Lake

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Pine Lake

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Pine Lake, at any time. AHS says boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active.

Wetlands are a natural remedy for Canada’s sick lakes

Wetlands are a natural remedy for Canada’s sick lakes

Chances are high that you saw it over the summer at your favourite lake: thick scum on the water’s surface, often resembling pea soup. Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) can render water unsafe for swimming and often makes people, pets, livestock, and wildlife sick. In July, Nova Scotia listed 26 waterways suspected to have blue-green algae blooms. Officials with Alberta Health Services identified blue-green algae in areas of Camp Lake, east of Edmonton, and Haunted Lake (an ironic name for a place fouled by the sinister sludge), east of Red Deer. The Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a blue-green algae warning for Little Manitou Lake, southeast of Saskatoon. British Columbia’s Capital Regional District saw toxic algae blooms in three different lakes across two regional parks in August.

Amid weekend heat, some beaches not recommended as a way to cool down

Amid weekend heat, some beaches not recommended as a way to cool down

Environment Canada forecasts sunny and warm weather this Labour Day long weekend. While the temperatures may be hot, finding a way to cool off may be a little more difficult. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) released the findings of the latest E. coli testing at our local beaches. Six beaches are considered unsafe for swimming: Belle River Beach - 992 E. coli count, Cedar Beach - 222 E. coli count, Colchester Beach - 649 E. coli count, Mettawa Beach - 592 E. coli count, Sandpoint Beach - 216 E. coli count, Seacliff Beach - 639 E. coli count.

Blue-green algae takes over many Alberta lakes as hot weather returns this week: ‘It smells like sewage’

Blue-green algae takes over many Alberta lakes as hot weather returns this week: ‘It smells like sewage’

With another hot week in store for much of Alberta, many people are getting out to try to soak up and enjoy the remaining days of summer. With that, many will flock to nearby lakes to spend time at the beach. But several of Alberta’s lakes have been taken over by blue-green algae this summer, including Garner Lake where Harold Kinasewich calls home. Kinasewich has had a family property on Sunrise Beach since the 1950s. Now semi-retired, he lives at the lake and it’s a place where he spends a lot of quality time with his kids and grandkids.

2nd blue-green algae bloom found on P.E.I., this time in Murray River

2nd blue-green algae bloom found on P.E.I., this time in Murray River

P.E.I. issued another blue-green algae bloom advisory on Wednesday, after the microscopic organisms causing the phenomenon were found in Murray River's MacLures Pond. Just a day before, the province announced it had discovered blue-green algae in Black Pond near Souris. That was the first time in two years that such a bloom had been reported in the province.

Province warns Islanders of blue-green algae found in Black Pond

Province warns Islanders of blue-green algae found in Black Pond

P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office says blue-green algae has been found in Black Pond in the eastern part of Souris. The province issued an advisory on Tuesday warning Islanders to avoid exposure to the water in that area. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) may form scum that can cause skin rashes and irritations for swimmers. Ingesting the water may cause nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. As a result of the discovery, the province is also advising people to avoid eating fish caught in the area.

Toxic blue-green algae found at Pier 4 in Hamilton Harbour — again

Toxic blue-green algae found at Pier 4 in Hamilton Harbour — again

Hamilton public health is warning residents to avoid all contact with water near Pier 4 in the city's harbour after discovering a toxic blue-green algae. In a media release Wednesday, officials suggested the following tips to avoid potential health risks: Avoid all contact with the water at the beach. If you do come into contact with water, rinse off as soon as possible with clean water. Both people and pets should not swim or wade in the water anywhere the algae is visible. The algae, also known as cyanobacteria, forms in shallow, warm, slow-moving water, according to public health.

Algae bloom season in Alberta is here. What can we do about it?

Algae bloom season in Alberta is here. What can we do about it?

As glorious as Alberta summers can be, they come with their own set of problems, like blue-green algae. Unfortunately for eager campers and swimmers, the blooms — which happen every year — can effectively shut down lakes. So, what exactly is blue-green algae? Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria forms in slow-moving, shallow waters and is usually the result of an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are essential for plant growth, but big blooms of the bacteria are largely caused by human activity like agriculture or residential development.

Cleansing stations to be added at Lac Ste. Anne to deal with blue-green algae

Cleansing stations to be added at Lac Ste. Anne to deal with blue-green algae

Organizers of the Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage say cleansing stations are to be provided for anyone who wants to enter the lake next week. Alberta Health Services issued a blue-green algae bloom advisory for the lake Thursday afternoon. It comes just days before the Pope is set to visit the lake and kick off the pilgrimage at the site west of Edmonton. Each July, thousands of people go to the shores of Lac Ste. Anne in search of healing and spiritual renewal. But those who come into contact with visible blue-green algae or drink water containing it may get a rash, sore throat, nausea or diarrhea.

Blue-green algae now in five lakes in Halifax area

Blue-green algae now in five lakes in Halifax area

A jump in the lake is just the thing on a hot, summer day – but maybe not in some areas of these five lakes. The province is warning that blue-green algae has been spotted in five Halifax-area lakes and another three throughout Nova Scotia. “This year we haven’t had any reports of anyone becoming sick or any dogs being harmed by blue-green algae,” said Elizabeth Kennedy, the director of the water branch for Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.

Nova Scotia issues first blue-green algae alert for 2022

Nova Scotia issues first blue-green algae alert for 2022

The provincial government has issued an alert for blue-green algae, the first of the season for Nova Scotia. Environment and Climate Change reported in a news release Saturday that a blue-green algae bloom was reported in a stream between Shubenacadie-Grand Lake and Fish Lake. The algae produces toxins that can cause illness in humans and be fatal to pets, according to Elizabeth Kennedy, director of the water branch.

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