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.
Starting Tuesday, June 1, stage 1 water conservation measures go into effect for all Regional District of Central Kootenay rural water systems. The measures include: • Watering of lawns (including new lawns), gardens, trees, and shrubs may only be done between the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. • Watering using drip irrigation, a watering can, and or hand-held hose is permitted at any time.