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Unique newspaper coverage of local, regional and global topics - serious and light-hearted.




Freshwater


Shawnigan Lake toxic soil dump permit cancelled

March 2, 2017

After four years, Minister Polak has at last cancelled a toxic soil dump in Shawnigan Lake’s watershed. How did January court ruling play into this? Dumping company has now launched an appeal against judge.

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Court sets Environmental Appeal Board Shawnigan decision aside, Ministry at last acts

February 2, 2017

Shawnigan Lake residents have been fighting a toxic soil dump in their watershed for years, with no help from the BC government. At last BC Supreme Court has ruled in their favour. Three days later the BC government has also acted; to suspend waste discharge. It’s not over yet: permit rescinding, soil removal, and remediation are all still needed, says Shawnigan Area Regional Director Sonia Furstenau.

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The water question

September 22, 2016

September is often a time of drought in the Gulf Islands. Frants Attorp examines the issue of water management and use, with the help of Diana Allen, an SFU hydrogeologist who has studied aquifers on the Gulf Islands for the past 20 years.

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Grassy Narrows’ fight for clean water

June 16, 2016

The First Nations community of Grassy Narrows has been struggling with mercury-contaminated water for decades. David Suzuki is calling for the federal government to step in and help clean up the Wabigoon River.

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Groundtruthing from the air

January 14, 2016

To draw attention to the struggle to shutdown a toxic soil dump in its watershed, Shawnigan Lake community arranged a day of helicopter rides over the site for media and politicians.

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Water legislation introduced

April 3, 2014

Patrick Brown takes a quick look at the priceless legislation just introduced. Perhaps long overdue; it needs a thorough analysis to see if it’s sensible, fair and good for BC in the longterm, he says.

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New water law in 2014

November 21, 2013

The ins and outs of an updated provincial water regulation which uses the sustainabilty buzzword, slated for introduction in the spring Legislature session—if there is one.

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Trust seeks groundwater management on Islands

March 10, 2011

Recent provincial government work leading ot reform legislation concerning water extraction inspires regional attention on the Gulf Islands.

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Trust seeks groundwater management on Islands

March 10, 2011

Recent provincial government work leading ot reform legislation concerning water extraction inspires regional attention on the Gulf Islands.

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Support riparian bylaw

March 10, 2011

North Pender Island proposes bylaw requiring Development Permits for areas bordering streams and lakes.

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Inlets under pressure

February 24, 2011

Five environmental groups are requesting a comprehensive public consultation for a large number of water bottling operations that will affect approximately 40 streams in Bute, Knight, Jervis and Toba Inlets.

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Water rights: tradable?

February 10, 2011

The Water Act Modernization process introduces the idea of water as 'tradable'. Is this 'modernization' a step too far for BC and Canada?

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Watching The Waters in Nanaimo

June 10, 2010

The 'Your Water, Your Future' forum was not looking out at the strait but back at the watersheds. A forum in Nanaimo looked at east-side Vancouver Island towns which don't own and have no control over their watersheds.

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