Water News 2021
Despite burn bans, B.C. man tells Mounties he didn't want to mow his lawn, set it on fire instead
CTV News
A B.C. man who didn't feel like cutting his grass has been fined more than $1,000 for the fire he started. Mounties on the Sunshine Coast said they and firefighters were called to a home on the Port Mellon Highway for a report of heavy smoke on Tuesday. The fire was called in by passengers on a passing BC Ferries vessel, who could see the fire from the water. Click here to continue reading
Boil Water Order Issued for Canmore, neighbouring communities
Calgary Herald
EPCOR is working to restore water quality in Canmore after high levels of turbidity have been detected. As a result, residents and businesses are required to boil water before consumption, effective immediately. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: Record funding for flood defences in England as climate crisis worsens risks
The Guardian
The government will spend a record £5.2bn on reducing flooding in England over the next six years, as the climate crisis increases the risk to homes and businesses. The Environment Agency will spend £860m next year to support more than 1,000 schemes, with significant funds for Yorkshire and the Humber and the north-west, regions that have been hit hard in recent years. Click here to continue reading
Extreme drought in southern B.C. taking devastating toll on life in water and on land
CBC News
What was once a steady stream of cool, clear water had become a patch of shallow, muddy puddles. Inside these remaining pools not far from the town of Squamish, B.C., three-month-old salmon the size of small french fries were struggling to survive. Its name — Swift Creek — belies its current state, with large sections having dried up due to drought. Click here to continue reading
Heat warnings issued for Edmonton, parts of central and southeastern Alberta
Global News
It’s setting up to be yet another hot few days in Alberta, with heat warnings issued for Edmonton and much of central and southeastern Alberta. The heat warnings were issued by Environment Canada early Thursday morning. As of Thursday morning, the warnings stretched to the Saskatchewan border to the east, up through the Cold Lake region and down south to the American border. Click here to continue reading
Feedback sought from Cochrane residents on proposed river wave park
Calgary Herald
Cochrane residents have until Sept. 15 to give feedback on a plan that could see surfers, kayakers, paddle boarders and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the Bow River through Cochrane in a new way. The survey, which went live Tuesday, is just one early part of the river wave project’s planning process that will see public consultation continue as time goes on. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: New IUCN green status launched to help species ‘thrive, not just survive’
The Guardian
A new conservation tool could help put thousands of threatened animal and plant species on the road to recovery. By analysing a species’ historical population size, present-day distribution, the success of previous conservation efforts and viable habitat, the new standard will allow researchers to plot a path to recovery for some of the one million species threatened with extinction on Earth. Click here to continue reading
British Columbia and the Prairies about to roast once again
Canada's National Observer
The British Columbia government is encouraging people to take precautions as Environment Canada forecasts the return of unseasonably hot temperatures. A statement from the Ministry of Health urges people to follow guidelines for staying cool during "extreme heat" that is predicted to last from Wednesday to Saturday. Click here to continue reading
Farmers say heat wave, drought show vulnerable agricultural sector needs support
Red Deer Advocate
Brent Preston, a founding member of Farmers for Climate Solutions, says the future of farming in Canada will require government support for growers trying to deal with big fluctuations in the climate. He adds that farmers will need funding specifically to implement practices to various regions of the country to help them become more resilient to extreme weather. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: Water level in Utah’s Great Salt Lake hits historic low
The Guardian
The water levels at the Great Salt Lake have hit a historic low, a grim milestone for the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River that comes as a megadrought grips the region. On Saturday, the US Geological Survey announced average daily water levels had dropped about an inch below the previous record of 4,191.4ft (1,278 meters) above sea level, which was set in 1963. Click here to continue reading
At least 85 wildfires torch 1.5m acres across drought-hit US west
The Guardian
At least 85 active wildfires have torched roughly 1.5m acres across 13 US states, mostly in the west, where the parched landscape has fueled the fast-moving flames and caused extreme fire behavior that has proved difficult to contain. Click here to continue reading