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

grants

Manitoba Government Launches Recognition Campaign for Schools and Child-care Centres Meeting National Lead in Drinking Water Guidelines

Manitoba Government Launches Recognition Campaign for Schools and Child-care Centres Meeting National Lead in Drinking Water Guidelines

Additionally, the Manitoba government is launching a lead in drinking water compliance recognition campaign, which identifies facilities that have been tested and demonstrate compliance with the national guideline for lead in drinking water. Schools and child-care centres that meet the national guideline for lead in drinking water will be recognized with a “certified lead tested” sticker. The sticker demonstrates a school or child-care centre’s commitment to safety and assures parents that steps have been taken to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, the minister noted.

Local water quality projects get Lake Huron Forever funding

Local water quality projects get Lake Huron Forever funding

An initiative aiming to advance water quality protection and healthy sustainable communities around Lake Huron has awarded funding to a handful of local projects. Lake Huron Forever, which was developed in 2019 by shoreline community foundations and conservation partners from the United States and Canada, has awarded $5,000 grants to four projects in Ontario with ties to the local area, including Bruce County and Manitoulin Island. Grants were also handed out to four projects in Michigan. Those receiving funding in Ontario are a schoolyard stormwater bioswale project at Peninsula Shores District School in Wiarton, a coastal stewardship and education program by the Goderich-based Lake Huron Coastal Centre, the cover crop initiative of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and the Kagawong River Stream Restoration on Manitoulin Island.

Cumberland awarded 2 grants for drinking water infrastructure

Cumberland awarded 2 grants for drinking water infrastructure

The Village of Cumberland is receiving two grants for drinking water infrastructure. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is providing $4,475,000 for the reconstruction of a dam on Cumberland Creek and adjacent stream restoration activities. The province’s StrongerBC Economic Plan and rural development grant program is also investing $481,625 for a Union Road watermain project. The dam reconstruction work is required under provincial dam safety regulations for the purpose of seismic improvements.

Over $4 million in SSHRC grants enables UWinnipeg researchers

Over $4 million in SSHRC grants enables UWinnipeg researchers

Dr. Melanie O’Gorman (Economics) – How Important are Water and Sanitation? Investigating the Associations between Water/Sanitation and Well-being in First Nations in Manitoba Other UWinnipeg researchers included as co-applicants on SSHRC Insight Grants include: Dr. Luc Clair (Economics), How Important are Water and Sanitation? Investigating the Associations between Water/Sanitation and Well-being in First Nations in Manitoba

New water conservation projects benefit from $7.5 million awarded from trusts

New water conservation projects benefit from $7.5 million awarded from trusts

The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) Board of Directors recently approved $7.5 million in grants to 13 local watershed districts to support critical watershed conservation projects delivered under Manitoba’s Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) program. “This funding will help Manitoba’s watershed districts achieve local watershed management objectives, like reducing flooding and improving water quality. These projects will also benefit soil and wildlife conservation,” said Brent Pooles, chair of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC). The revenue for these watershed investments is generated from Manitoba’s $204 million in contributions made to The Winnipeg Foundation between 2018 and 2020.

Projects enhance Okanagan Valley water protection

Projects enhance Okanagan Valley water protection

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) marked the 15th year of its water conservation and quality improvement (WCQI) grants this week with the awarding of funds to projects throughout the valley that will enhance water security. Since the program began in 2006, and with this week’s award of 16 grants worth $350,000, the board has now provided 300 grants to Okanagan non-profits, First Nations, local governments and irrigation districts adding up to an overall value of $5.1 million.

OTTAWA, CANADA, HELPS RESIDENTS CUT STORM WATER RUNOFF

OTTAWA, CANADA, HELPS RESIDENTS CUT STORM WATER RUNOFF

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.

Okanagan water grants used to respond to climate change

Okanagan water grants used to respond to climate change

The Okanagan Basin Water Board has approved more than $318,000 in funding to 17 projects that will help conserve and protect water in the valley while addressing the larger issues of climate change. Directors approved the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grants at their last board meeting, April 2. Recipients have now been notified. In total, there were 31 applications with a total ask of $688,281.

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