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 designated location in Saskatoon for people to spread the ashes of loved ones along the river is one step closer to fruition. A city committee has recommended council move forward to plan and construct a dedicated scattering location, which could be at Meewasin Park near the north end of Spadina Crescent. Funding for the project would be part of the 2024-25 budget deliberations. If approved, construction on a new permanent site is tentatively set for 2025.
