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History is constantly changing. We uncover new accounts of past occurrences every day, revealing interesting stories of how our lands used to be. Like its history, the North Saskatchewan River is constantly changing. The ebb and flow changes from year … Continued
The North Saskatchewan River looks so beautiful this time of year. Analyzing the surface of the water, it seems to bloom with frozen lily pads. This blossoming phenomenon is not unique to this river, but it’s certainly a captivating event. … Continued
The North Saskatchewan River is home to a wide diversity of fascinating creatures. Some are feathered, some are furry, and some are scaly. One of the most interesting of these creatures has been on Earth for at least 100 million … Continued
There is much uncertainty surrounding Edmonton’s drinking water. Is it safe drinking water? Why is there sediment in the water? Does the water taste good? The drinking water for the City of Edmonton goes through two water treatment plants run … Continued
I have loved water since I can remember. Whether it was splashing around in a bathtub, treading water with my synchronized swimming team, rowing in my high school regatta, or catching a long wave on a surfboard, many of my … Continued
The North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper ensures that we have a swimmable, drinkable, and fishable North Saskatchewan River. One of the ways that you can contribute to this goal is by reporting water pollution. Last week while giving a water presentation to … Continued
I am a self-proclaimed nature nerd. I love the natural world. Whether it’s going camping, going birdwatching in wildlife reserves, or stopping to watch the neighbourhood hares on my walk to work, nothing makes me happier than seeing wildlife. The … Continued
Deep breath in. Hold. Deep breath out. Anxiety, stress, nervousness. We all experience these to varying degrees. Managing anxiety can be challenging, but luckily a proven method of management is free and easy to do. Spend time in … Continued
Each and every one of us lives in a watershed. Many of us may not realize this, or may not even know what this means. Watersheds impact people’s lives and people have significant impacts on watersheds. In order to understand … Continued
In Canada, we are very lucky to have a vast supply of freshwater. We have 20% of the world’s freshwater, and in our daily lives that supply can feel limitless. This great fortune isn’t held by everyone in the world, … Continued
Many people living in communities along the North Saskatchewan think that the river is dirty. When I first moved to Edmonton last November I saw the colour of the river and assumed the same thing. The river was covered with … Continued
I’ve often wondered about the flushability of everyday items. I have watched people in movies flushing medications down the toilet, I have flushed my dead fish down the toilet (RIP), and I sometimes wonder whether flushable wipes are truly flushable. … Continued
Hello fellow Riverkeepers! It’s a pleasure to be a member of the Swim Drink Fish team in Edmonton. I am a former Calgarian and Montréalaise (Montrealer). Prior to my move to Edmonton last year, everyone kept telling me how gorgeous … Continued
September is the perfect month to get outside and get to the water. While it may be getting a bit more chilly, now you can dig your favourite sweater and toque out from storage, bundle up, and face the great … Continued
For years and years I’ve grown up here and have taken the Edmonton River Valley and Parks for granted. Only in the last couple of years have I really begun to appreciate the incredible opportunity and beauty that is … Continued
There’s nothing quite like seeing Edmonton from the water. Floating down the river by boat, canoe, kayak, etc. provides a very different perspective of our city and is sure to make one appreciate the river valley in a new … Continued
What is Swimmers Itch? Swimmers itch refers to a swim rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasite larvae. These parasites lay eggs in, and infect waterfowl and certain water going animals such as muskrats. The feces … Continued
It is one of the busiest weekends of the summer. The sun is out, and it’s the perfect time to relax and take the opportunity to get to the water. Whether it’s a beach, dock, lake, or river take … Continued
This blog will be all about fishing on the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton. I’m not an avid fisherman myself but do enjoy the occasional cast and reel. I never really realized the potential that the river has in the … Continued
All the water that we use comes from the North Saskatchewan River, but it’s not as easy as just sucking it up and distributing it out to everyone’s tap. Edmonton has a thorough water treatment system run by EPCOR … Continued
On July 26th, history is going to be made in Kingston, Ontario. The Gord Edgar Downie Pier – Canada’s first deep water urban swimming pier will be opened and a celebration for the reclamation of Kingston’s waterfront at the … Continued
Where does it come from and where does it go? The North Saskatchewan River originates from the Saskatchewan Glacier in the Columbia Icefields 1800m above sea level. It flows through the Rocky Mountains into the manmade Abraham Lake which is … Continued
For the most part, my experience with the river has been a clean one. The river can be a very safe and enjoyable place to swim given the point of entry and under the right conditions. In this blog … Continued
Ever since I can remember water has been a huge part of my life. It sparked from my childhood obsession with dolphins that soon grew to a love and respect for the ocean. Obviously having been born in Edmonton … Continued
They say Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes and for every lake there are multiple beaches. When’s the last time you unwound and took in a relaxing beachside long weekend? Manitoba is an ideal place to make this … Continued
Saskatchewan is home to an abundance of beautiful lakes and beaches. With the upcoming Canada Day Long Weekend and the start of summer we encourage you to check one out. When was the last time you were able to … Continued
It’s officially that time of summer to celebrate Canada. For many of us, summer happens by the water and what better way to celebrate Canada Day than going to the beach! With the help of Swim Guide you can … Continued
Two-time Olympic alpine skiing bronze medalist, Karen Percy Lowe, shares her inspirations for founding the North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and contributing to a growing movement across Canada to protect swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for everyone. Behind the scenes … Continued
Job Title: Edmonton Swim Guide Program Coordinator Swim Drink Fish Canada and North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper are seeking a talented and motivated individual for the new, full-time position of Edmonton Swim Guide Program Coordinator. This community-based river monitoring program … Continued
The deep cold of winter has arrived, and with it, an opportunity to experience the natural world in a whole new way. Yesterday, I bought a new neck warmer to cover my face and to replace one that was lost … Continued
Photo: Brandi Redd Most Edmontonians have by now accepted that a White Christmas may not come until next year. Although many of us will miss it, the flip side is that the City of Edmonton will use less of its new … Continued
The hum at last week’s Urban Planning Committee meeting revealed a quiet excitement – the kind that secretly bubbles behind outward political composure. Sparking eyes all around the table hinted mischievously that mere committee formalities could do little to dissuade … Continued
Beach report assesses water quality, Brett Kissel joins Lowes to support protection of North Saskatchewan River Swim Drink Fish Canada and North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper release river monitoring report and raise funds for clean water with Brett Kissel and Karen & … Continued
As the swimming season slows down, this year’s monitoring program comes to a close this week. See the latest results below and watch for our Summer 2017 report, which will outline the findings of this year’s program in greater detail. … Continued
This Tuesday’s test results revealed a temporary, but significant spike in levels of E. coli in the North Saskatchewan River. The reason for the increased level of bacteria is not clear and tests will continue well into September along with the … Continued
On Wednesday, August 30th, the Bighorn Dam on the North Saskatchewan River was shutoff for approximately 24 hours to conduct a routine leakage test. The shutoff reduced river flow immediately beneath the dam to half a cubic metre per second, … Continued
The North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s recreational water monitoring program conducts tests along the river at key access points within the city of Edmonton and this week’s results are now available in Swim Guide. The program tests for E. Coli, which is … Continued
Depends on the day (and even the time!), but here is what we found on August 22nd. Cloverdale Beach has been the talk of the city these past couple weeks – an accidental surprise resulting from the construction of … Continued
The August 15th results from the North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s recreational water monitoring program are now available in Swim Guide. Please note that results only reflect water quality at the time of sampling and that E. coli levels are only one of many … Continued
The August 8th results from the North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s recreational water monitoring program are now available in Swim Guide. This week, we have added results for a popular sandbar just upstream of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge. Please note that results only … Continued
The long weekend is upon us and with a bit of luck we will get some sunshine! August long is one of the busiest times of year for Alberta’s beaches and before you make weekend plans, be sure to confirm … Continued
The North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s recreational water monitoring program is releasing it’s first official results today. The program tests for E. coli as a bacteria indicator of fecal contamination in recreational waters. The Laurier Park and Capilano Park boat launches are popular … Continued
North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and Swim Drink Fish Canada are pleased to announce that our new water quality monitoring program on the North Saskatchewan River is now underway! The program features weekly water sampling at the Laurier and Capilano boat launches and … Continued
At a Community and Public Services Committee meeting last week, the City of Edmonton proposed the introduction of a new anti-icing agent, calcium chloride, in its snow and ice removal strategy. The proposal to spray our roads with a liquid … Continued
As the summer heats up, Albertans have already been handed five blue-green algae advisories and there will, unfortunately, be several more in the coming weeks (update: more than 20 as of August 8th). What do these advisories mean for beach-goers, … Continued
The Canada Day weekend is proving to be a hot one and many Albertans are taking to the beach. Where will you stake out your stretch of sand? If you’re weighing the options, take a look at the Swim … Continued
In partnership with Swim Drink Fish Canada, the North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s has this year’s water literacy programs well underway. Our new Water Literacy Manager, Hans Asfeldt, is leading the programs and of the many engagements he will pursue this year … Continued
The North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, in partnership with Swim Drink Fish Canada, is pleased to announce the debut of our new manager of Water Literacy, Hans Asfeldt! Hans brings to the role a wealth of experience and leadership on key environmental … Continued
North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper in partnership with Swim Drink Fish Canada is seeking a Water Literacy coordinator for a full-time contract to help develop and launch a water awareness and community engagement program in Edmonton. This position is a perfect opportunity … Continued
I’ve lived on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River since I was 7 years old. At the time, I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to grow up on such a unique property, so close to this amazing … Continued
North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper is launching a new water literacy program in Edmonton. Beginning in spring 2017, a full-time coordinator at Riverkeeper will help local residents discover the watershed, find swimmable water, and document local water knowledge. The coordinator is part … Continued
One of North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper’s directors, Kevin Lowe’s interest in clean water grew out of his original bond with the Shuswap Lake. As he became educated on everyday practices that were threatening our watersheds, Kevin felt a pull to take … Continued
It’s dark. I have driven overnight and arrived where the mouth of the Grand River meets the shallow north shore of Lake Erie. I am here to sing a song at a small sunrise wedding ceremony. I was given directions … Continued
Ngaio Hotte is a writer, resource economist and facilitator based in Vancouver, BC. Over the summer of 2015, Ngaio embarked on a journey to cross the Canadian Prairies by canoe with her partner, Harry. This journey gave them a chance … Continued
The Waterkeeper Gala in Toronto on Thursday, April 21st, is just one week away! This year’s Gala will introduce 12 Swim Drink Fish Ambassadors from across Canada. These are individuals who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to creating a future … Continued
It’s near the end of April but still Thunder Bay is frozen in and Lake Superior’s ice and snow reflect the sun back up into the blue sky. I am here to sing at an Earth Day celebration. I walk … Continued
Join us in celebrating World Water Day at North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and learn more about how you can become a Canadian Water Leader! What is World Water Day? World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn … Continued
My North Saskatchewan River watermark dates back to 2009. This was around the time Karen and Kevin Lowe, Mark Mattson, and Britt Standen were starting the Riverkeeper organization, based in Edmonton. I had been asked to join the board of … Continued
Lake Huron Here we were a few years ago starting a tour, my band mates and I, in the wee town of Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, a 5-hour drive northwest of Toronto. Lake Huron washes against … Continued
Born and raised near the Bow River in Banff, Karen has always felt a connection with water and passion for global water issues. An Olympic and professional downhill skier, Karen’s interest and concern grew when she was asked to ski … Continued
North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, in partnership with the National Water Centre and Waterkeepers across Canada, is proud to announce the official launch of the Watermark Project! We often forget how water shapes our country, our culture, our lives. We forget how … Continued
North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper is excited to be partnering in the Watermark Project in 2016! The Watermark Project is a digital archive that preserves and protects Canada’s water heritage through storytelling. It acts both as a registry for the waters that … Continued
Last week, the federal government declared that dozens of streams and rivers in southwestern Alberta are critical habitat for endangered trout species. On December 2nd, the Alberta Wilderness Association said that it would drop a lawsuit against Ottawa which sought … Continued
As swimmable water season comes to a close here in Alberta, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and Swim Guide are taking a look back at some of the best and worst beaches from the summer of 2015. The top 5 beaches of … Continued
About a month ago, I was in Toronto’s distillery district during the Panam Games. I happened to walk through on one of the nights that Porte Parole’s Watershed Project was being exhibited. If you haven’t heard of it, the Watershed Project … Continued
Over the last few months, we’ve watched Alberta counties and municipal districts declare local states of agriculture emergency. On Friday, Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier approved the decision to declare Alberta in a state of agricultural disaster. A warm winter coupled … Continued
Many of us have had it. I’m talking about the red, itchy rash we sometimes get after swimming in a lake. Commonly called “Swimmer’s Itch,” Alberta has seen a considerable rise in the amount of cases reported this year. Swimmer’s Itch … Continued
You might have read our blog post back in July talking about WWF’s Canada-wide assessment of our most prominent watersheds. Or our post about the drought-like conditions affecting much of Alberta. WWF’s ambitious Canadian watershed project, along with flooding, wildfires, … Continued
5 per cent. That’s what’s left of the once-thriving population of cutthroat trout in Alberta. Combine that with a 70 per cent loss of habitat for Alberta’s provincial fish, the bull trout, and things aren’t looking too positive for our freshwater fishes. … Continued
Microbeads. It’s a dirty word, isn’t it? These tiny plastic particles, which first appeared in our personal care products in the late 1970s, have been washing down our drains, making their way past treatment plants, and contaminating waterways across Canada … Continued
Last November, we were part of a group of over 50 health and environmental non-profits organizations that signed onto a public statement in support of prohibiting the use of Triclosan (a harmful anti-microbial agent) in Canada. Wondering what came of that? Us, too. … Continued
When you ask someone about the quality of the North Saskatchewan River, clean might not be the first word they respond with. But saying the North Saskatchewan River is “dirty” isn’t correct. The early history of our river and its … Continued
We love water, and it’s our love for our watershed that drives us to share stories about our watershed with you. But what happens when water is in short supply? How do we start a dialogue about the lack of … Continued
In March, our province unveiled the latest steps in their strategy to prevent invasive zebra mussels from entering our province and becoming established in our waterways. Part of the strategy included mandatory boat inspections, and this summer, Alberta Environment and … Continued
This month, WWF released the first half of a Canada-wide assessment of our 25 most prominent watersheds. The assessment focused on four indicators of watershed health and seven key threats. Measures of health included hydrology, water quality, fish, and benthic … Continued
Until July 12, it’s National Fishing Week in Canada.The program, which encourages Canadians to enjoy over one million lakes, rivers, and streams that dot our country, is sponsored by the Canadian National Sportfishing Association. This is a great way for … Continued
Here in Canada, we have a lot to be thankful for – and a lot of it has to do with water. We have access to some of the most abundant freshwater sources on the planet. Our network of lakes, … Continued
Blue-green algae is a cyanobacteria present in all Alberta lakes. It grows best in still or slow-moving water when the weather is warm, which is why we see more blooms in the summer. When phosphorus and nitrogen are present, the … Continued
We prepared and submitted our letter of appeal in opposition of the approved permit application for a gravel pit in the Sturgeon Hole Reach Environmentally Significant Area of Parkland County (p.198). The lake sturgeon is an amazing fish and this … Continued
We were part of a group of health and environmental organisations signing on to a public statement in support of prohibiting the use of triclosan (a harmful anti-microbial agent) in Canada. This is for your health, your kids’ health, and … Continued
We were part of a group of environmental organisations who submitted an “Obed one year later” media release calling for action and enforcement by our governments on the largest coal slurry spill in Canadian history.
We were part of an expert panel on water allocation at the Synergy Alberta evening plenary session on November 4 in Edmonton. We reminded the audience that Albertans own the water and it is the public interest the government represents. … Continued
The North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper (NSRK) continues our efforts toward swimmable, drinkable, fishable waters for us all. Our success in monitoring, informing, raising awareness, and responding to citizen concerns on a number of water quality issues continues every day. Take a look … Continued
The NSRK Fall 2014 Update is posted here. Check it out and see what we have been up to. Briefly, we have been responding to a number of citizen/community concerns and looking for solutions. The Swim Guide for Alberta and Saskatchewan … Continued
Saturday morning, August 16, is your chance to join the North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and “Stand Up for the River”. Come check out the Easy Rider Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) race and tour from Hawrelak/Laurier Park bridge or other viewing points along the the North SK River down to Rafter’s … Continued
While The Swim Guide (www.theswimguide.org) does not have all the answers for swimming or water recreation in Alberta, it is a great starting point. The Waterkeeper Swim Guide for Alberta beaches and lakes provides daily water quality updates for most … Continued
Thank you very much to the Alberta Lake Management Society for creating this summary. Click <a href=”http://alms.ca/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae/”>here</a> for the link.
Our North Saskatchewan River is a natural and recreational treasure. However, two of the most commonly asked questions of the Riverkeeper are: “Is it safe to recreate in and on the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton?” “Is the water quality … Continued
When we launched the RBC Blue Water Project in 2007, we decided to support two broad areas: watershed protection and access to clean drinking water. We felt that by casting such a wide net, we could get to know the … Continued
We all want the best for our North Saskatchewan River Watershed. Now is your chance to have your say on the future of our watershed and land use planning. The North Saskatchewan Regional Plan is a very important project. Click here for … Continued
