Burnaby’s celebration of the 20th annual World Rivers Day welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors on Sunday, September 28, as attendees braved grey morning skies to enjoy a rain-free day at the Burnaby Village Museum.
World Rivers Day founder and long-time Burnaby resident Mark Angelo was on hand for the celebration, acknowledging our city as where this global day of environmental action first began—Burnaby was the first municipality to proclaim BC Rivers Day in 1993 and has been a core supporter ever since.
In the 20 years since the United Nations officially proclaimed World Rivers Day in 2005, many of Burnaby’s streams, rivers and creeks have been revitalized, with salmon and other fish returning to waters they had not been seen in for generations. Attendees were able to check out a giant map of Burnaby’s salmon-supporting creeks and streams, with staff available to recommend the best walks and hikes near your home to see the salmon runs and get involved in streamkeeping in your neighbourhood. Attendees of all ages also enjoyed games and activities for all ages, including Indigenous games and storytelling by knowledge keepers.
The City of Burnaby extends its gratitude to all performers, staff, volunteers and attendees who made the event a success. Special thanks are also due to the hundreds of volunteer streamkeepers whose year-round dedication has had a profound impact on the health of our waterways.