World Rivers Day
Celebrate our local waterways at World Rivers Day
Join us for this free family-friendly event and learn about our local waterways and restoration efforts to help protect these environments. Activities include demonstrations, displays, tours, activities, crafts and live entertainment.
Our World Rivers Day celebration will happen rain or shine, as befitting a celebration of our waterways!
Events and Performances
- Kellie Haynes Ventriloquist | Vorce Stage, 11:30-12 pm, 3-3:30 pm
- Opening Remarks and Indigenous Welcome | Bandstand, 12 pm
- Ginalina Family Band | Vorce Stage, 1:15-2 pm
Exhibiting Groups
- BC Metis Federation Coastal Conservation
- BC Hydro
- BC Wildlife Federation
- Burnaby Eco-Sculptures
- Burnaby Lake Park Association
- Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society
- Cariboo Heights Forest Preservation Society
- City of Burnaby Official Community Plan 2050
- Coquitlam Search and Rescue
- Metro Vancouver
- Nature Trust of British Columbia
- North Shore Black Bear Society
- Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society
- Ocean Wise Mobile Program – The Sea Dome
- OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
- Pacific Spirit Quilters Guild
- SFU – Science Alive
- Stanley Park Ecology Society
- Wildlife Rescue Association of BC
Indigenous Crafts & Activities
- Community Canoe Mural
- Rita Kompst – Cedar Weaving
- Indigenous Storytelling
Ecosystem Restoration Events
Ron McLean Park: Sunday, September 22, 9:45 am-1 pm – Registration required
We’re partnering with Green Teams of Canada’s Lower Mainland Green Team for direct ecosystem restoration! Spend time outside, meet new people, try new things and more, all while removing invasive plants. Volunteers will work alongside Burnaby's amazing stewardship groups, the Eagle Creek and Byrne Creek Streamkeepers, and learn first-hand about how we can all protect Burnaby’s waterways! These family-friendly events are one of the most effective ways to take action protecting nature in our city. All ages are welcome, with no experience needed! Educational instruction, gloves, tools and snacks provided.
Storm drain marking kits are available for schools and other community groups to use to place yellow-fish markings beside a storm drains, reminding the public that roadside drains flow directly into creeks where fish live. This program encourages the community to learn about salmon habitats and protect the water quality of the streams. These kits are available year-round, but there’s no better time than World Rivers Day to for us to support community members interested in participating in this fun and engaging activity.
Request a kit:
In 1980, Burnaby resident and river conservationist, Mark Angelo, founded BC Rivers Day in an effort to raise awareness about the importance that rivers play in our environments as well as the need for better river management to protect these vital resources.
In 1993, the City of Burnaby was the first municipality in BC to proclaim BC Rivers Day. Since then, the City works with community partners to host an annual community event.
Thousands of Canadians now celebrate each year making this Canada’s largest river appreciation event. In 2005, the United Nations established World Rivers Day which is now a global event to celebrate rivers each year on the fourth Sunday of every September.
“Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.” – Mark Angelo
Mark Angelo, a Burnaby resident, is the founder of BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day. He is an avid river conservationist and has been recognized by his effort throughout Canada, receiving awards, recognitions and even the Order of Canada for his river conservation efforts.
To learn more about the founder and the history behind Rivers Day, visit BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day.
The Burnaby Streamkeeper and stewardship groups are dedicated to protecting Burnaby’s waterways and watersheds. These committed group of volunteers dedicate their time to monitor, enhance and advocate for the protection of waterways as well as adjacent streamside riparian areas that support aquatic life.
Do you want to be a steward of your watershed or find out where to watch the salmon spawn?
Check out the Burnaby Streamkeepers program page to see a list of active streamkeeper groups to contact for more information.