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

funding

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomes today’s announcement from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, which confirms funding through the CleanBC Communities Fund, a component of the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). As part of its Roadmap to Net Zero, YVR is replacing three, large tap water heating systems in the main terminal building to reduce carbon emissions and retrofit the terminal to be more energy efficient. On top of YVR’s investment of $1.8 million, the federal and provincial governments will provide a combined $3.57 million, enabling the replacement of the natural gas hot water heaters with air source heat pumps. This project will reduce the airport’s carbon emissions by eight per cent annually (855 tonnes of CO2) once complete.

After years of boil-water advisories, Fundy Albert gets $12M to upgrade water system

After years of boil-water advisories, Fundy Albert gets $12M to upgrade water system

A New Brunswick tourist destination is getting some help fixing its water supply. Fundy Albert, which includes Alma next to Fundy National Park, is getting $12 million to upgrade its aging water infrastructure. This comes after years of boil-water advisories in the community, including one that lasted from July to October.

‘Historic’ agreement signed to protect more of B.C.’s lands and waters

‘Historic’ agreement signed to protect more of B.C.’s lands and waters

A historic deal signed Friday will protect 30 per cent of B.C.’s lands and waters by 2030. The Trilateral Framework Agreement was signed between the federal and British Columbia governments and the Indigenous-led First Nations Leadership Council. With this agreement, the federal government will be contributing $500 million and the B.C. government has dedicated more than $500 million, which includes a fund for old-growth forests and the opportunity for additional funds from the philanthropic community. The agreement includes a commitment to work together toward protecting 25 per cent by 2025, including on Indigenous protected areas.

What a circular water system could mean for Alberta

What a circular water system could mean for Alberta

A University of Alberta researcher is receiving $1.4 million over seven years to support the creation of a circular water system. "Eventually we're going to have to be very careful with our water," Mohamed Gamal El-Din told CBC's Radio Active, after being named Canada Research Chair in sustainable and resilient wastewater treatment for reuse. He is one of 12 scholars at the U of A receiving the academic honour to advance their work for a greener future.

Bruce County mayor resigns after accusing First Nation in Ontario of being 'poor and unclean' in recording

Bruce County mayor resigns after accusing First Nation in Ontario of being 'poor and unclean' in recording

The mayor of South Bruce Peninsula has resigned after he was caught on tape making racist comments about a nearby First Nation community, the Ontario town announced in a statement Tuesday. Garry Michi was recorded in an audio clip posted Friday by an anonymous individual questioning the federal government's decision to fund a water treatment plant on the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation, also known as Cape Croker. 

B.C., Canada help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

B.C., Canada help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

B.C. farmers and ranchers can better prepare for and mitigate impacts of climate change, while continuing to support the province’s food security and a sustainable environment through funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Funding is available via the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program. “The Government of Canada is committed to helping our agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will offer B.C. farmers the support they need to adapt their operations to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change, while protecting food security and the environment for future generations.” 

Four New Brunswick communities receiving $22 million for water infrastructure projects

Four New Brunswick communities receiving $22 million for water infrastructure projects

Four communities in New Brunswick will get a combined $22 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments to support water infrastructure projects. Tracadie and Rivere-du-Nord will receive $13.2 million, with $8.8 million going to Bathurst and Belle-Baie. Tracadie will use the funding to support the second phase of its multi-phased project to renew aging sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer mains on Principale Street.

Investment in Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord clean water infrastructure

Investment in Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord clean water infrastructure

A $13.2 million investment in clean water infrastructure was announced by three levels of government today for the northern communities of Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord. “Investments in this critical infrastructure will benefit residents and support growth in these communities,” said Réjean Savoie, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “We are pleased to work with the municipalities of Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord to help fund these projects.”

Britain’s embattled Thames Water far from insolvency, no nationalization talks held, co-CEO says

Britain’s embattled Thames Water far from insolvency, no nationalization talks held, co-CEO says

Executives of embattled British utility Thames Water, which is partly owned by two of Canada’s biggest pension funds, have insisted that calls for its nationalization are premature and have been highly exaggerated. In an appearance before a committee of British parliamentarians Wednesday, company co-CEO Cathryn Ross said the utility wasn’t close to meeting the conditions required for the government to take over the business under a process known as special administration.

Ontario Making Historic Investments in Wetlands Restoration

Ontario Making Historic Investments in Wetlands Restoration

The Ontario government is investing up to $6.9 million in approximately 100 local conservation projects to restore and enhance wetlands across the province. This funding will help 14 conservation partners restore more than 2,400 acres of wetlands in Ontario, which combined is larger than Presqu’ile Provincial Park, near Brighton. The projects will improve water quality, help prevent flooding and build climate change resiliency.

New Funding Available for Manitoba Agriculture Producers and Processors to Support Sustainability Initiatives and Food Safety Improvements

New Funding Available for Manitoba Agriculture Producers and Processors to Support Sustainability Initiatives and Food Safety Improvements

The Water Use Efficiency stream provides funding for projects that help reduce the amount of water used by agri-processors in production and sanitation processes, treatment of wastewater prior to being disposed or returned to the municipal system or to the recovery of nutrients from wastewater. This funding aligns with the Manitoba government’s Water Management Strategy, which guides future actions, decisions and investments to protect the province’s water resources and ecosystems while sustainably growing the economy and communities. Funding is available for up to 50 per cent of the project cost, up to a maximum of $250,000 per project.

N.S. premier says Ottawa must pay entire bill to protect land link from flooding risk

N.S. premier says Ottawa must pay entire bill to protect land link from flooding risk

Nova Scotia's premier pulled no punches Thursday, saying Ottawa should pay the entire cost of protecting the important land corridor linking his province and New Brunswick from climate change-related flooding. Tim Houston made the comment after being asked whether his government would apply to the federal disaster mitigation fund by the July 19 deadline. Federal Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc has encouraged both provinces to apply for funding for up to half the $301-million potential cost to protect the Chignecto Isthmus. "That (land) strip is a very significant national trade corridor," Houston said. "We understand Minister LeBlanc's position on that and the offer for the feds to pay 50 per cent, but quite frankly we think he's wrong. We think the feds should be paying for that."

CBRM moves closer to creating water/wastewater commission

CBRM moves closer to creating water/wastewater commission

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality water utility and wastewater departments are in process of becoming a regulated commission known as the CBRM Water and Wastewater Commission. It’s the first step by council towards establishing a new governance and operational structure for water and wastewater in the municipality. The changes planned will modify how the delivery of water and removal of wastewater are funded, according to a press release issued by the municipality.  

N.W.T. gov't calls for emergency dredging of Hay River harbour

N.W.T. gov't calls for emergency dredging of Hay River harbour

The N.W.T. government has put out a call for tenders for an emergency dredging program in the Hay River harbour. It's been over a decade since the harbour was last dredged and last year residents of Hay River said the sediment buildup in the harbour was the worst they'd seen. Barges belonging to the government's marine transportation service (MTS) and even a Coast Guard vessel were held up on sand bars. 

Trudeau repeats pledge to establish Canada Water Agency in Winnipeg, but no one can say where it will go

Trudeau repeats pledge to establish Canada Water Agency in Winnipeg, but no one can say where it will go

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday reannounced the new Canada Water Agency, which will protect the country's freshwater supply and be headquartered in Winnipeg. "This province is home to over 100,000 lakes and rivers, with water flowing in from the Rockies and the [United] States, all the way out to Hudson Bay," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, overlooking the convergence point of two of those rivers — the Assiniboine and Red — at The Forks in Winnipeg.

Ottawa pledges $12M to upgrade water services for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

Ottawa pledges $12M to upgrade water services for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

A southwestern Manitoba First Nation is using $12 million in federal funding to ensure on-reserve members have access to potable water for generations to come. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller was in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, located 260 kilometres west of Winnipeg, Tuesday announcing $12 million in federal funding to help build water and wastewater system upgrades.

Funding announced for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Yarmouth, Digby counties

Funding announced for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Yarmouth, Digby counties

“Three interdependent projects that are in close physical proximity will increase the capacity to treat and manage wastewater and storm water and increase access to potable water. The Vancouver Street intersection will be improved, including the water lines supplying the Yarmouth Regional Hospital," reads the project description. "In the neighbouring combined sewer overflow, a tidal check valve will be installed to prevent tidal water from entering the combined sewer system. The Gardner Street Lift Station will be disconnected from the storm water connection to receive a new exterior dedicated line and outfall."

Water Security Agency to continue flood mapping with $2M investment

Water Security Agency to continue flood mapping with $2M investment

The province’s Water Security Agency is continuing flood mitigation efforts in Saskatchewan, with renewed funding for ongoing flood mapping efforts in south and central Saskatchewan. More than $2 million has been earmarked in the 2023-24 budget as an investment into the agency’s Flood Hazard Identification Mapping Program. Through the program, the WSA conducts mapping and technical work to evaluate risk for communities identified to be in potential flooding zones. The purpose is to understand where protection or mitigation work is needed, to prevent significant harm from possible flood damage, according to the province.

Government of Canada invests in renovation of Rhineland's Gretna Arena

Government of Canada invests in renovation of Rhineland's Gretna Arena

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and Minister responsible for CanNor, and Don Wiebe, Reeve for the Municipality of Rhineland, announced a federal investment of $798,000 to support the energy-efficient renovation of Rhineland's Gretna arena. The replacement of old, outdated fixtures with new low-flow fixtures will also improve water conservation.

What else is in a flush? UCalgary researchers are going to find out

What else is in a flush? UCalgary researchers are going to find out

UCalgary researchers behind the hugely successful COVID-19 wastewater monitoring program and online COVID tracker are convinced of the potential of wastewater as a public health tool,­ and they’re not alone. Genome Canada, through regional partner Genome Alberta, has awarded the research group $2M through their Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) to investigate the potential of wastewater monitoring to detect and track more viruses, in partnership with Alberta Health. An additional combined $4M in funding for the project was awarded by Alberta Health, Genome Quebec, and the Government of Canada.

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