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

elevated E. coli levels

3 swimming spots in Saint John, Quispamsis reopen following elevated E. coli levels

3 swimming spots in Saint John, Quispamsis reopen following elevated E. coli levels

Three popular swimming spots in the greater Saint John area have reopened after being shut down last week because of elevated E. coli levels. Lily Lake and Tucker Park in Saint John and Gondola Point Beach in Quispamsis, N.B., all reopened for swimming Monday after subsequent testing indicated "water quality has returned to normal levels," said Department of Health spokesperson Sean Hatchard. CBC News asked what the elevated readings were and how they compare to set guidelines, but Hatchard did not respond.

Water quality advisory issued at Kitsilano Point Beach

Water quality advisory issued at Kitsilano Point Beach

The beach at the tip of Kitsilano Point is closed due to repeat E. coli samples above the recommended level. Vancouver Coastal Health issued an advisory on Canada Day, noting multiple E. coli counts of 591 per 100 millilitres, well above the advised limit of 400 per 100 mL. The health authority says there is an increased risk of illness to swimmers when E. coli levels exceed guidance. The public is advised not to swim or wade in the water until the advisory ends, especially seniors, infants and kids, and people with weakened immune systems who are most susceptible.

'Inertia and incompetence': Manitoba First Nation launches proposed class action over water advisories

'Inertia and incompetence': Manitoba First Nation launches proposed class action over water advisories

A legal challenge filed in Manitoba's Court of Queen's Bench could cost the federal government billions, if it is proven the government has violated the Charter rights of a large class of First Nations people for decades by failing to provide them with safe drinking water. A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed on Nov. 20 by Tataskweyak Cree Nation Chief Doreen Spence on her own behalf and on behalf of her northern Manitoba First Nation. The suit alleges the First Nation has spent decades without access to clean drinking water and seeks damages.

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