First Nations take steps to reduce wildfire risk
First Nations take steps to reduce wildfire risk
Heading into peak wildfire season, several First Nations across B.C. have already taken steps to reduce the risk to their communities.
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CBC
19 minutes ago
- CBC
With heat waves more frequent, P.E.I. public health officials are preparing an alert system
With Prince Edward Island slowly but surely getting hotter, the province's Chief Public Health Office is developing a plan to keep people safe during the heat waves that have become increasingly more common. P.E.I. saw three heat waves in 2024, with the first warning issued on the last day of spring. Environment Canada issues heat warnings when the temperature is forecast to exceed 28 C for two or more days with overnight temperatures not dropping below 18 C. Despite the increased frequency of these events, this province is one of the last in the country to develop what's known as a heat alert and response system, or HARS. That's about to change. The Chief Public Health Office recently secured funding from Health Canada to hire a co-ordinator to develop such a program in P.E.I. "When we look at extreme heat events, particularly in other provinces, then we know that there's an increase in daily mortality rates when temperatures rise above certain levels," said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province's chief public health officer. "We want to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening here." Hundreds have died in Canada In 2021, a heat dome killed at least 619 people in British Columbia over a five-day span. High temperatures in Quebec in 2010 claimed the lives of 280. A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps heat near the earth's surface, and it gets held in place by a blocked jet stream. Heat waves are projected to become more intense, frequent and longer in duration across the country, and they're becoming a bigger public health concern for P.E.I. officials too. "I remember saying to other people in other parts of the country, 'Oh, we don't need air conditioning,'" Morrison said. "That has changed, and we really do want to make sure that we look after Islanders as we recognize the impacts of these extreme heat events that are occurring and will continue to occur with more frequency." How HARS could work Heat alert and response systems have been implemented at community and provincial levels across the country. They typically outline when to activate and deactivate HARS according to Environment Canada's heat warning criteria, and outline a communication plan for the public on what they can do to prevent heat-related illnesses. That's followed by an evaluation of the program, which will look at how many people experienced heat illnesses, in order to focus on prevention during future events. Peter Berry, a senior policy analyst who advises Health Canada's director on climate issues, said the systems could involve helping people identify their nearest cooling centre and mandating extended hours for things like pools and splash pads. "These interventions really work in terms of cooling yourself down and protecting yourself and the people that you love that perhaps need more assistance than you do," Berry said. "You really need to be broad in terms of engaging partners when you develop the HARS to understand… some of the barriers that people with disabilities might face in terms of getting to cooling centres, and you need to hear from people with diverse voices and lived experiences that can also provide that type of information." Tips for summer campers, pet owners and construction crews trying to beat the heat on P.E.I. 11 months ago Duration 3:21 Amid P.E.I.'s most recent heat wave, everyone is doing their best to stay cool. Two summer camps for kids both have measures in place to keep participants from overheating. CBC P.E.I. also spoke with the Department of Transportation about how crews are doing while working outside, and with a dog trainer about how animals cope with the hot weather. The funding for P.E.I.'s co-ordinator will extend over two years, and the CPHO will aim to have a heat alert and response system up and running within that time, Morrison said. The ultimate goal is to spread awareness about extreme heat events, educate Islanders about how to stay cool, and keep them out of emergency departments and hospitals. "If we can put some of these mitigation measures in place when P.E.I.'s HARS system is activated, that will hopefully reduce the number of people who get really sick or end up in hospital or have severe outcomes," Morrison said.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Why a Manitoba landmark is closed for its 50th anniversary
An iconic Manitoba landmark that's celebrating its 50th anniversary this year is closed for the season due to a need for structural repairs. Grant's Old Mill is a replica flour mill that has stood on Portage Avenue near Sturgeon Road for decades. Former Premier Ed Schreyer opened the mill in 1975 as part of Winnipeg's centennial celebrations. Over the years, it's become a historical museum and a destination for school trips and visitors. It's also a functioning mill where Manitobans can watch a demonstration of how flour is milled. According to Kelly Ryback, a board member for the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association which oversees the mill, the replica was built in 1974. It features a sluice, which is a sliding grate to control the flow of water, and a wheel. 'When the water was running through the sluice, the wheel would turn, but that wheel does not turn stones,' he explained. 'There's an electric motor that turns the stones allowing it to mill the grain.' However, things are shifting as the mill reaches its 50th birthday milestone, which will celebrate an important figure of Manitoba's past. Grant's Old Mill The interior of Grant's Old Mill in Winnipeg, Man. (Kelly Ryback/St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association) The history behind the mill Grant's Old Mill may have opened in the 1970s, but its history dates back over a century. The site is a replica of a mill built in 1829 by Métis leader Cuthbert Grant and serves as a place to honour his contributions to the province. Grant is hailed by many as the founder of the Métis nation. He was appointed captain general of the Métis people by the Northwest Company, and then in 1816, he led his nation to victory against Hudson's Bay Company governor Robert Semple in the Battle of Seven Oaks. '(This battle is) the first time that we flew under the infinity flag,' said Laura Forsythe, assistant professor at the University of Winnipeg in the faculty of education. 'We fought against the oppressive, colonial government trying to enforce a series of laws onto the people here who are Métis.' Grant's legacy continued in 1829 when he created the first water-powered mill in Western Canada. 'The mill itself in 1829 was a failure,' Forsythe said. 'It just never really took off, and Grant actually ended up relocating the grinding stones to Grantown, which we now know as St. Francois Xavier, and it was used in that location for years.' Forsythe noted that historians don't view the mill as a 'total failure' because it's seen as an important historical landmark, adding that it was the first instance of hydro use in the Red River settlement. Why the mill is important Forsythe said for the last 50 years, Grant's Old Mill has reminded Winnipeggers of those who came before us and served as a symbol of belonging to the Métis people. 'Right in Winnipeg, we get to see a slice of Canadian history.' She added that Grant is a bit of an 'unsung hero' to Manitoba, and it's important for more people to recognize all he has done. 'This mill helps everyday Winnipeggers and everyday Canadians know a little bit more about the legacy of the Métis nation and all of the folks who helped it come to be,' she said. Grant's Old Mill An image of a painting of Cuthbert Grant at Grant's Old Mill in Winnipeg, Man. (Kelly Ryback/St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association) Why the mill is closed Though it's celebrating 50 years in 2025, the mill is closed to the public this summer as it's in need of repairs. According to Ryback, the mill's sluice has been wiped out by ice, the wheel is damaged and the stackable logs that form the walls are deteriorating. He noted the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association has known for years about the state of the mill, adding that the group has plans not only for reconstruction, but to enhance the destination and its programming for the future. Ryback expects the mill will be open again in 2027. 'It's a site that we want to have reconstructed, but then become of even greater enjoyment and use for the residents and tourists to enjoy,' he said. Despite the closure, the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association still has plans to celebrate the mill's 50th anniversary with an event on July 12. The celebration will include a full day of activities including a 50/50 draw, reenactors, games, musical performances, and a jigging contest.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Poor air quality with moderate risk level in Ottawa this Saturday
A person wears a mask as they cycle through Majors Hill park in Ottawa as forest fire smoke from Manitoba hangs over the National Capital region. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick The special air quality statement that was issued for eastern Ontario and western Quebec Thursday remains in effect, with a moderate health risk. The air quality health index is at level five this Saturday morning in Ottawa. Environment Canada says the poor air quality and reduced visibility over the area are due to the smoke caused by wildfires. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,' reads the statement. 'You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.' Residents over the age of 55, pregnant women, workers who work outdoors and people with existing health conditions are at risk of being impacted by wildfire smoke. Those people are asked to protect themselves by limiting their exposure to smoke by staying indoors. 'When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool,' reads the statement. 'Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.' Those who must spend time outdoors are asked to wear a respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, reads the statement. The statement comes as fires continue to ravage the Prairies, prompting the province of Manitoba to declare a national emergency. Hundreds of Manitoba First Nations are seeking refuge in Niagara Falls, hundreds of kilometres away from home. More information about reducing your health risk is available at Weather forecast Environment Canada calls for a high of 25 C and a mix of sun and cloud this Saturday. A low of 10 C and a few clouds are expected for tonight. Sunday will be sunny with a high of 24 C. A low of 15 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers are expected overnight. On Monday, the capital will see a high of 22 C and a 40 per cent chance of showers. A low of 15 C and a 60 per cent chance of showers are expected for the night. The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 13 C.
