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

Flavoured Sparkling Waters Are Trending—But Are They Actually Good for You?

Flavoured Sparkling Waters Are Trending—But Are They Actually Good for You?

LaCroix is, arguably, the trendiest and most popular flavoured sparkling water brand in Canada. (And yes, the company pronounces their brand name as “la croy,” which is maddening for anyone who has studied French.) Despite having been founded back in the 1980s (in La Crosse, Wisconsin, near the St. Croix River), the brand did not come to Canada until 2017, following a brand resurgence stateside. Bubly, by PepsiCo, was launched in 2018 with the Canadian crooner Michael Bublé as a brand spokesman. Around the same time, the more traditional, green-glass brands Perrier and San Pellegrino soon came out with two new flavours of their popular fizzy waters (in 2017 and 2018, respectively). Then there’s Aha by Coca-Cola, which just launched in 2020. But no matter the brand, the offering is the same: seltzer with hints of a simple fruity flavour, made with zero calories and zero sugar.

Pacific islands urge Japan to delay release of Fukushima waste over contamination fears

Pacific islands urge Japan to delay release of Fukushima waste over contamination fears

Pacific island nations are urging Japan to delay the release of water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant over fears fisheries will be contaminated, the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) said on Wednesday. The Japanese government said last week that water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant could be released into the sea "around this spring or summer," raising concerns from island nations still grappling with the legacy of nuclear testing decades ago.

Oil spill on Sudbury's Ramsey Lake doesn't pose risk to drinking water, says health unit Social Sharing

Oil spill on Sudbury's Ramsey Lake doesn't pose risk to drinking water, says health unit Social Sharing

An oil spill that started at a home along Ramsey Lake in Sudbury, Ont., has since reached the shoreline, said Public Health Sudbury and Districts. The health unit said in a news release that the spill Jan. 14 started from the fuel oil tank of a home on Gennings Street near the lake. Public health said it immediately alerted the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as people who lived nearby.

Water level at Sasamat Lake could drop by 2 metres if aging dam removed

Water level at Sasamat Lake could drop by 2 metres if aging dam removed

Imperial Oil's dam on Sasamat Lake has been in place for a century, but the company says it's now considering its removal. The decision could have wide-ranging effects on the Port Moody, B.C., lake, which is a popular destination for Metro Vancouver residents. "We really don't have a need for the dam anymore,'' said Ali Tejpar, project manager of the Sasamat Lake Dam Project.

Lead-contaminated well near central Alberta gravel mine triggers investigation

Lead-contaminated well near central Alberta gravel mine triggers investigation

Alberta Environment is investigating how a family's water well near a gravel mine became so contaminated by lead it's no longer drinkable. The investigation comes as Red Deer County considers expanding mine operations that Jody Young suspects are the source of the lead she and her family may have been drinking for months. "We have it in our blood," said Young. "My son's levels are actually higher than mine."

Disaster risks: What’s creating exposures for businesses?

Disaster risks: What’s creating exposures for businesses?

“Is this location in a flood or fire zone? Will there be enough water supply in the future? If you invest in a headquarters in Las Vegas, when the future of the Colorado River as that city’s main water source is horrific, it could pose a real problem. There’s going to have to be kinds of investment to pipe water in, which makes it more expensive. So, I would simple say ‘add that as part of your criteria’.”

Media Based Water Filters World Market Statistics | Focus On Estimation, Research and Future Growth by 2033

Media Based Water Filters World Market Statistics | Focus On Estimation, Research and Future Growth by 2033

The media-based water filter market is expected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing awareness about water pollution and the need for clean and safe drinking water. The market is driven by the increasing demand for clean water, especially in developing countries, and the growing awareness about water-borne diseases. In terms of product type, the market can be segmented into activated carbon filters, sand filters, and multimedia filters. Activated carbon filters are expected to dominate the market due to their ability to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other volatile organic compounds.

It was the sixth driest year on record in 2022. For farmers, the impact was disastrous

It was the sixth driest year on record in 2022. For farmers, the impact was disastrous

Far away from Waterloo Region’s cities where worries of a global pandemic and skyrocketing inflation dominated the conversation around dinner tables in 2022, a different type of disaster threatened the families of one of the region’s oldest industries.

Kogos: I no longer take good, clean water for granted

Kogos: I no longer take good, clean water for granted

Living in NYC, it’s from the faucet or bottled water. And on Manitoulin, I know certain rules, such as not drinking from a Manitoulin stream or untested lake or river water, but what about other sources? Not knowing much about water and wanting to learn more, I was delighted to talk to Jeff Wahl of Wahl Water on Manitoulin Island. Jeff has specialized in all kinds of water treatment for more than 20 years.

New Water Infrastructure in Port Hawkesbury

New Water Infrastructure in Port Hawkesbury

An investment by the Province will help improve and ensure access to clean water for people in Port Hawkesbury. The $1.1 million in funding to upgrade the water supply and distribution system will provide a new above ground building and associated equipment, replacing the Pitt Street water tower and the existing pressure reducing valve vault on MacDonald Street.

'We're designing a fully sustainable environment': Ontario Place redesign boasts beach, spa, garden and new wetlands

'We're designing a fully sustainable environment': Ontario Place redesign boasts beach, spa, garden and new wetlands

The team working behind the controversial development of Toronto’s historic Ontario Place site insist the project is for the greater good of the city, and will resort and revitalize parts of the landscape that are crumbling apart. The proposed development will include an indoor water park and botanical garden, as well as a large parking lot. Critics are unhappy that the privately owned spa is being built on public land, in part with taxpayer’s dollars.

Forward Water Technologies setting up for growth in 2023 after work in 2022

Forward Water Technologies setting up for growth in 2023 after work in 2022

Forward Water Technologies CEO Howie Honeyman joined Proactive to share an outlook for 2023 after the company made some major strides in 2022. Honeyman explained more about the company’s key business with its patented Forward Osmosis technology. Honeyman also talks about other sectors where its technology can have a major impact.

$3.3-million announced for water infrastructure projects in Port Hawkesbury

$3.3-million announced for water infrastructure projects in Port Hawkesbury

Some water infrastructure in Port Hawkesbury will see upgrades following the announcement of $3.3 million in funding from three levels of government. The money will be used to upgrade the water supply and distribution system, including the construction of a new above-ground building and associated equipment to replace the Pitt Street water tower and the existing pressure-reducing valve vault on MacDonald Street.

SaskPower projecting rare $100M loss this year

SaskPower projecting rare $100M loss this year

SaskPower is projecting a net shortfall of $105 million this fiscal year, something the minister responsible for the Crown corporation, Don Morgan, says is rare. SaskPower reported a net income loss of $97 million in the first half of 2022-23, a period that ending Sept. 30. Over the same period in 2021-22, the corporation reported $13 million in net income. The $110-million swing was due to a $172-million increase in expenses.

'Waves onto my front porch'; $17M investment to prevent climate disasters in Port Stanley

'Waves onto my front porch'; $17M investment to prevent climate disasters in Port Stanley

Spencer Noble knows all about the flooding issues on William St. in Port Stanley, Ont. Whenever there is a large rain, he gets a few feet of water on the street in front of his home. "The water comes right up, hits the steps, and when a car comes by it sends waves onto the front porch," says Noble. “We've played in it, and even brought a canoe across the street to the bar, and boogie boarded in the road."

Ice cover on Lake Superior is less than 5% in the middle of January. Researchers say that's the new normal

Ice cover on Lake Superior is less than 5% in the middle of January. Researchers say that's the new normal

Small groups of people have been taking to the new ice on Thunder Bay in recent days skating, biking ice boating and ice fishing. Yet this fun on the ice has been slow in coming this winter. And they are on thin ice.  The ice formation on Thunder Bay has been slow to form this winter, due to above average air temperatures through December and into January.

Clean water for Oneida still years away

Clean water for Oneida still years away

As a years-long boil water advisory continues to drag out, there’s cautious optimism that clean water will be flowing to residents of Oneida Nation of the Thames. But it won’t be any time soon. In fact it could be a number of years yet before the community can lift its boil water advisory. "Over the holidays I heard from a lot of community members feeling a sense of hopelessness, but also a sense of guilt," said Oneida Councillor Brandon Doxtator, who oversees environmental issues for the community." Just taking a five minute shower has caused community members to be worried about their part of exacerbating the problem," he said.

Why Michigan is trying to shut down Canada's Enbridge Line 5 pipeline

Why Michigan is trying to shut down Canada's Enbridge Line 5 pipeline

An ageing pipeline crossing part of the Great Lakes has led to a standoff between the US state of Michigan and Canada. The outcome of the battle over Line 5, which delivers energy to the US Midwest and central Canada, will be viewed by many as a bellwether of how North America will balance its energy future with its environmental commitments. The most contentious part of the Line 5 pipeline - which runs from Superior, Wisconsin, by way of Michigan to Sarnia, Canada - sits on the bed of the Straits of Mackinac. The narrow waterway connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron - two of the world's largest lakes.

Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

The Province is investing in infrastructure upgrades in Wolfville that will help prepare the town for future growth. The project will improve the wastewater treatment plant and increase treatment capacity, leading to higher quality wastewater and sewage disposal systems. The upgrades include a newly constructed third lagoon cell and protective raised barrier, an improved aeration system and a new operational monitoring and control system.

Canada and the Yukon sign agreement in principle to deepen collaboration on planting 2 billion trees nationally

Canada and the Yukon sign agreement in principle to deepen collaboration on planting 2 billion trees nationally

Canada and the Yukon are collaborating to fight climate change, protect nature and important habitats, fight biodiversity loss, improve air and water quality and preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Last month during COP15, Minister Wilkinson announced the launch of the third call for proposals of this program, ensuring additional long-term agreements with eligible partners, including Indigenous communities and partners, municipalities and for- and non-profit organizations, as we continue to advance our commitment to support partners in planting two billion trees by 2031.

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