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 plan to distribute free water jugs and filters to properties with lead pipes or connections has hit a blockage. Some of the property owners are returning the jugs and filters to stores for a refund. Once the jug and filter is distributed, it's up to the water consumer to decide if they want to use it, said Michelle Warywoda, the director of Thunder Bay's environment division.
