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.
After experiencing one of the snowiest winters to date in Manitoba, residents are facing a high risk of water damage this spring. According to CAA Manitoba’s Heather Mack, water damage is an issue every year in Manitoba, but this year there is “quite a large risk.” “This year, that extra snowfall put us in more of a vulnerable position for sure. Water damage is the leading cause for all property damage in Canada right now,” she said in an interview on Tuesday.
With temperatures fluctuating from cold to mild over the past few days, Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to watch out for ice dams on their property. SGI Canada says the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter months creates ideal conditions for condensation and ice damming. The results can cause damage to walls, ceilings and insulation, not to mention it can lead to mould issues down the road.
Ottawa, Canada is offering to pay to improve some homeowners' properties. The aim is to do a better job of managing rain water, reported Ottawa Citizen. The city will provide grants for some homeowners to help cover a portion of the costs related to adding redirection devices for downspouts or installing rain gardens, soakaway pits and permeable paving, according to Ottawa Citizen. Certified landscape design is also be eligible for a grant. Ottawa is capping the maximum grant at $5,000 per household.
