BC Rivers Day Turns 45 with Community Events Across the Province
Photo: Evgeni Matveev and Elk River Alliance
Gold panning to river clean-ups, shoreline restoration to whale watching, the variety of celebrations planned for BC Rivers Day emphasizes this year’s theme, Rivers Connect Us.
The 45th annual BC Rivers Day features over 55 events across the province. Spearheaded by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), they are happening on Sunday, September 28, though some will take place slightly earlier and others later. Visit orcbc.ca/events to find a complete list of celebrations.
“BC Rivers Day reminds us that rivers connect everything in our province, from mountains to ocean, east to west, rural communities to cities”, says Louise Pedersen, the executive director of ORCBC. “It’s a day to celebrate the waterways that sustain us and to show them the care they deserve.”
The individual events are hosted by local organizations across the province. They’re led by conservation organizations, recreation clubs, Indigenous groups, municipalities, museums and more. Just as every river is unique, so is each event. Expect river cleanups, guided paddles, salmon-focused education, shoreline restoration, nature walks, tree plantings, and arts festivals.
Sponsors, like FortisBC, help make the events possible.
“FortisBC is proud to support BC Rivers Day and the many community-led events that bring people together across the province,” said Janet Devaney, senior manager, community and Indigenous Initiatives, FortisBC. “We’re committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of British Columbians and reflect our dedication to giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.”
Along with FortisBC, BC Rivers Day is made possible with generous support from the BC Parks License Plate Program and Pro Bass Shops Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, along with the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Sitka Foundation.
River conservationist Mark Angelo established BC Rivers Day with the help of the ORCBC in 1980. Together, they have celebrated it every year since. In 2005, Angelo took the idea global. This year World Rivers Day will be celebrated in 100 countries on six continents, making it one of the world’s largest environmental celebrations.
“We have a spectacular river heritage in B.C. and to see this great provincial event evolve into a global celebration of rivers has been exciting to see,” says Angelo.
BC Rivers Day events provide an opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the province’s spectacular waterways, says Pedersen. At the same time, the celebration strives to create a greater awareness of the urgent need to better care for a vital and beautiful resource.
To discover ways to participate in BC Rivers Day and find an event near you, visit the ORCBC’s event calendar at www.orcbc.ca/events.