WATER NEWS 5/26

Canadian news roundup

Rangers reach Puvirnituq to help distribute water as crisis nears 10 weeks

Canadian Rangers have arrived in Puvirnituq to aid the community during its ongoing water crisis, which started more than nine weeks ago.

“Canadian Rangers will assist with the transportation and distribution of drinking water and other essential supplies to help ease the burden on the community,” said Kened Sadiku, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence, in an email.

“They will also provide logistical support, including assistance with setting up and staffing community services centres, as resources allow.” (Nunatsiaq News)

BC Ferries’ newest hybrid-electric vessel hits the water in Romania

The newest vessel in BC Ferries’ growing hybrid-electric fleet has officially hit the water, marking a major milestone of the company’s efforts to modernize its fleet and reduce emissions.

The yet-to-be-named Island Class ferry was launched May 22 in Galati, Romania, where it’s being built by Damen Shipyards.

The vessel is the seventh in BC Ferries’ Island Class series and represents the latest step toward expanding two-ship service on key inter-island routes, the company said in a news release Monday. (Chek News)

Swan Hills on evacuation standby as wildfire threatens northern Alberta town

The residents of Swan Hills were told Monday to be ready to flee within an hour’s notice — an upgraded notice from an evacuation alert first issued Sunday night for the town in northwestern Alberta.

An Alberta Emergency Alert said the community of about 1,300 people should be prepared to evacuate with their pets, important documents, medications, a full talk of fuel and enough supplies to be away from home for at least three days. (Global News)

Invasive fish species reported in Nova Scotia for first time, DFO says

An invasive fish species has been found in a small waterway north of New Germany, N.S., according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

A single egg-bearing Oriental weatherfish, also known as pond loach, was discovered in Morgans Falls last month. 

The fish originate in East Asia, and this is the first time the species has been reported in the Maritimes. DFO said the fish was likely introduced after being released from an aquarium (MSN)