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.
Fredericton city council is once again considering a water rate hike for the new year, which will add an estimated $1.75 to the average monthly residential water bill. City staff presented the water and sewer budget to council on Monday night as part of the city's annual budget process. Staff recommended the increase so the city could keep up with infrastructure upgrades.