Latest news with #cityofficials
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Meet the robots taking care of Richmond city's lawn
Meet the robots taking care of Richmond city's lawn A pair of robots on their trial period mowing the lawn at Richmond city hall have been scrutinized by staff - will they be allowed to stay?
CBC
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Restrictions in effect in Dawson Creek, B.C., as persistent drought dries up water supply
As drought persists in some parts of northeastern B.C., Dawson Creek says it is imposing restrictions to conserve drinking water starting Friday, with officials warning the city may soon have to rely solely on its reservoirs if dry conditions persist. The restrictions come as the region enters its fourth straight year of hot, dry weather, a pattern city officials trace back to the 2021 heat dome. Since then, low snowpacks and scarce rainfall have severely strained the city's only water source, the Kiskatinaw River. Officials say the current situation is likely to get worse before it gets better, and the urgency to secure a new water supply is now critical. "It's extremely concerning. Water levels are the lowest I think that we have recorded in history," said Mayor Darcy Dober. "Without a lot of moisture and water in the forecast, it's inevitable that we're not going to be able to pump out of the Kiskatinaw, and we're going to have to use our reservoirs." B.C. unveils new drought-tracking system 5 days ago As the driest summer months approach, the B.C. government has unveiled a new system to track and report drought conditions in the province. The program will show how much water a community has stored for use and how well rivers and creeks are flowing. Watershed at 'tipping point' Dawson Creek draws its drinking water from the Kiskatinaw River, which is fed by Bearhole Lake, a protected area in the eastern foothills of the Rockies. Unlike glacial-fed waters, both depend entirely on seasonal rain and snow. In Bearhole Lake, water levels have dropped more than 20 centimetres below a weir built in 2009 to capture water and replenish river flows in dry years. The Kiskatinaw itself is at historic lows not seen since 1992, according to the city. "What we're seeing now in the Kiskatinaw is a trajectory that is a bit unsettling. It is low flows, much like last year, but we're seeing it drop quicker and sooner," said Kevin Henderson, the city's chief administrative officer, who has dealt with water infrastructure issues throughout much of his 30-year career working for the city. Henderson says river levels may soon fall below the city's daily water demand, forcing Dawson Creek to begin drawing from its storage reservoirs just to meet basic needs. "We are getting to a point here in the coming days where the flows in the river will be potentially lower than what our daily demand is in the community," Henderson said. "That means we're going to start to be in a bit of a negative position where we're going to have to rely on our storage reservoirs to augment what we are unable to pump out of the river." "And if we get a cold, early shot of winter, that river could freeze and limit our ability to withdraw water," he added. "We would be reliant on our storage reservoirs all winter long." Winter scare reignited 2013 pipeline plans In January 2024, the Kiskatinaw froze solid, forcing the city to rely entirely on stored water for six weeks and implement restrictions. That revived discussions on building a new pipeline, first proposed in 2013, to tap into a new water source from either the Peace or Murray rivers. "Since then, so about 18 months, it's been our number one priority," said Dober. "We realized, at that point, that all the work that [previous] councils have done were great to get us where we were, but we were still at the point where we didn't have a reliable water source and we need that — not only for Dawson Creek, but for the [neighbouring] Village of Pouce Coupe and the Peace River Regional District. "Our water source is a reliable source for a lot of people, not just in the city." Such a project won't be easy. A pipeline from the Peace River would span some 55 kilometres, and early estimates suggest the price tag could exceed $100 million. City officials say that's not something the local tax base can carry or do alone. They've also asked the province for an exemption from a lengthy environmental assessment process, which could take two to five years to complete. "We don't have two to five years," Dober said. "We need to get this moving quick. Once we can get a permit and that approval, then we've got to figure out how we're getting it done." Restrictions begin Friday Stage 2 water restrictions go into effect July 25, limiting residential lawn watering and industrial water use, including bulk withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing. "Right now, we're not seeing a lot of industrial demand," Henderson said. "What it will do is just ensure that we don't have any of that demand come online in the coming days or weeks that would put further stress on the system." While Dawson Creek has about 200 days worth of water stored in city reservoirs, officials are cautious about drawing it down too quickly. If dry weather continues, more restrictions could follow, including shutdowns of car washes and recreational facilities like water parks. "It all depends on the weather," Henderson said. "If we have a wet fall, that certainly can help us ... If we have a very hot August and it stretches through September with no moisture, then things are likely going to get a little bit more complicated, and we're going to have to make some further decisions on conservation measures."
CBS News
21-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Plainfield, N.J. flood victims to get some relief, thanks to benefit concert. Here's more on how you can help.
Two devastating storms earlier this month wreaked havoc on communities in Plainfield, New Jersey. On Sunday, a benefit concert was held to help flood victims. City officials say the money will help those who have lost their homes and have no insurance. The sounds of music at Plainfield High School was uplifting and a much-needed tune as people filed in with their hearts full of warmth and their wallets open. City officials say so far they have raised more than $65,000 for victims of the July 3 and July 14 storms and flooding that killed four people and left a path of destruction, inundating homes and streets and taking down trees. With that came the arduous process of cleaning up and the strain on the city workers tasked with doing it. Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp didn't have an estimate how much damage was caused, but said city leaders are getting ready to pass an emergency resolution to get $5 million to reimburse the city for expenses incurred. "So much damage, and so, there's a lot to be made. And we know that the flood insurance isn't gonna cover most of the damage. And in some cases, most people don't have much choice, and that's why we need to have these kinds of people and the legislation that sends them to know that is local, local, right, local legislation," Mapp said. Those who showed up to help weren't just from Plainfield but from all parts of New Jersey and even Pennsylvania. There were current residents and even some who have moved away but came back to lend a hand. "Insurance doesn't cover everything. I've never been in a studio where there was a death. Funerals are expensive, so if I can help by giving a couple of dollars to help the family, even though I don't live here," former Plainfield resident Renee Sterling said. The concert was scheduled to end at 8 p.m, but you can still donate after on the city's official website.
CTV News
20-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Dutch Elm Disease spreading in Regina
WATCH: Dutch Elm Disease is spreading in Regina, with city officials confirming 18 new cases in the past two weeks. Wayne Mantyka reports.
CBC
19-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Dutch elm disease detected in north Edmonton as city battles deadly tree fungus
Social Sharing A devastating and highly contagious tree fungus has been detected in north Edmonton, the latest case of a deadly disease that puts Edmonton's vast canopy of urban elms under threat. In a statement this week, city officials confirmed that a new case of Dutch elm disease has been detected in Edmonton. The infected tree in the north Edmonton neighbourhood of Alberta Avenue, as well as any elms within a 20-metre radius, will be removed as part of ongoing efforts to contain the spread. The infected tree was recently spotted by city crews along the boulevard. A positive result was received from a provincial lab on Wednesday, marking the sixth confirmed case of the disease since it was first detected in Edmonton last August. The contagious fungal infection — spread by elm bark beetles and spores from infected wood — pose a major risk to other elm in the vicinity, the city said. Extensive additional testing in the area is underway. City officials have been monitoring the infection in partnership with federal officials since it was first detected in the city last summer with case numbers expected to rise. According to a statement Friday, a total of 369 elms have been removed in the city to date as part of ongoing containment efforts. The total includes two destroyed so far in Alberta Avenue. "This additional confirmed case does not change our approach as we continue assessments, removals and testing in co-ordination with the province and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency," said Mark Beare, Edmonton's director of infrastructure operations, in a statement. "While any positive test is disappointing, we remain confident that this collaborative approach is helping to limit the spread of the disease." Urban forests under threat Dutch elm disease poses a threat to all species of elm in Alberta. The fungus, caused by microfungi that infiltrate a tree and clogs its water-conducting systems, has killed millions of elms in North America over the past century and has begun to proliferate across Prairie cities. In Edmonton, the potential losses are particularly acute. The capital region is home to more than 90,000 city-owned elms, accounting for more than 22 per cent of Edmonton's urban forest canopy. The city has been bracing for years for the potential arrival of the destructive fungus as it crept west across the country, devastating urban forest canopies. An action plan, now being implemented to limit the damage, was first developed in 2020. In an effort to slow the spread, crews have been conducting routine inspections along Edmonton's tree-lined streets and boulevards, watching for signs of infection. More than 55,000 trees citywide have been assessed for signs of infection. Any elms that appear sickly – with telltale wilting yellow leaves – are tested, and trees believed to be infected are immediately destroyed. An ongoing program to remove deadwood in elms is also necessary to reduce the habitat of the beetles, which may spread the fungus, the city said. "City arborists, urban foresters and the pest management team remain vigilant as we continue implementing the established Dutch elm disease management plan, including intensified surveillance of elm trees," Beare said. The infection has to date been detected in northeast Edmonton in the Killarney and Yellowhead Corridor East neighbourhoods. Enhanced monitoring and assessments of trees within a one-kilometre radius of the infected trees remain in place, the city said. Edmontonians are encouraged to report any signs of infestation to 311. Infected trees may have dead branches or browning leaves. Their trunks may have holes or sawdust on the bark from burrowing beetles. The city is also reminding Edmontonians not to bring firewood from elsewhere, to properly prune elms during the colder seasons and properly dispose of any deadwood or clippings at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.
