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.
Three children in Esquimalt, B.C., were wheeling totes full of water from a neighbouring condo building to their own home Monday morning. It was not how these three expected to begin their spring break. "We woke up on Saturday morning to rushing water, a basement full of water," said Hollie Johnson, owner of a condo at 877 Ellery St. in Esquimalt on Monday.
Students returning to class this week at schools in the Thames Valley District School Board will notice a change in protocol: Hand washing at classroom sinks is now a no-no. The new rule is a result of water damage board staff noticed in December on the cabinetry that surrounds classroom sinks. Last fall, students were washing their hands frequently as part of protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19. Students were using the classroom sinks so much, the wood cabinetry was being stained and discoloured due to water damage.
