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.
A new watershed study and management plan is in the works for Trout Lake. Recently, East Ferris and North Bay held open houses to provide information on the project and hear feedback from residents who have questions or concerns about the lake. Members of the Trout Lake Conservation Association (TLCA) attended the North Bay open house, which was held in the atrium of City Hall on March 13 and had an opportunity to share their concerns about the lake’s future.
The city has agreed to move forward on the first watershed study on Trout Lake – the sole source of drinking water for North Bay – in nearly 30 years. North Bay council awarded a $112,809.38 contract, plus HST, Tuesday evening to J.L Richards & Associates Ltd. to conduct the study and prepare a management plan for the lake. A staff report provided to council ahead of the meeting says the study and management plan are important to ensure the lake and inflowing streams are appropriately protected.
