As Canada gears up to celebrate the country's water ways for Canada Water Week, Chilliwack's youngest environmental organization is planning a host of community events to keep the issue of water in the public conscience.
Water Week is an opportunity to understand the threats that exist to water in the community, says WaterWealth Project's campaign director Sheila Muxlow.
"Take some time to think about where our water comes from and how much it offers to us, not only in terms of drinking water, but also as a life support system for our local economy, recreation opportunities, and cultural heritage."
WaterWealth is screening two films in celebration of water between March 18–24 at its office (45668 Storey Avenue, Chilliwack).
In “Salmon Confidential,” biologist Alex Morton uncovers the reasons for B. C.'s declining salmon stocks. Screening will be on Mon., March 18, at 6:30 p.m.
In “Last Call at the Oasis,” environmentalists Peter Gleick and Alex Prud’homme meet with communities throughout North America to understand how water affects them. Screening will be on Wed., March 20, at 6:30 p. m..
The events culminate with a big community celebration of World Water Day on March 22, in Hope, B. C. Starting at 5 p.m. at the Hope Station (111 Old Hope Princeton Way), residents are invited to a night of music, open mic, and children's activities such as mural art. There will also be homemade food: soup, stew, buns, and bannock.
BC Watersheds and other groups are hosting various rallies around the Fraser Valley during World Water Day as well.
"All too often we take for granted the benefits that we get from our living fresh water systems. If we want to ensure that these benefits are around for the long-term than we need to invest in safeguarding them," says Muxlow.
WaterWealth will also be demonstrating its mobile story capture technology at various locations throughout the week in Chilliwack.
"We are using iPads and other mobile devices go to public places and conduct a survey with questions about the relationship local residents have to water, their concerns about threats, and their thoughts on what is needed to protect our water wealth," explains Muxlow.
WaterWealth opened its doors in Chilliwack last month and advocates for 100 per cent community control of local water ways.
"It has been amazing," says Muxlow of the support the group has received from the community. "It is apparent that water is something that brings people together in the Fraser Valley and that there is a clear interest in learning more about how to ensure our home waters are protected."
Full details of Water Week are available at www.waterwealthproject.com/canada_water_week.
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