This Sunday, Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day

Following on the heels of World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8 is another important environmental day—Canadian Rivers Day, on Sunday, June 10.

Canadian Rivers Trivia

• Many Canadian rivers are “endangered.” This can be due to a variety of reasons, from pollution to mining projects. Find out more in our article “Dark Days on the Salmon Coast.”
• According to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, there are currently 37 designated Heritage Rivers in Canada. Although governments retain their power over rivers that are designated as Heritage Rivers, the aim of this designation is to conserve rivers in Canadian that have special significance, either culturally, environmentally, or recreationally, allowing the public to continue to enjoy them.
• This year, Toronto mayor Rob Ford officially proclaimed June 10 Canadian Rivers Day. The press release from the Toronto City Council states: “WHEREAS fresh water is essential to life on earth and Canada is blessed with more than one-fifth of the world's supply. Rivers are vital to our natural environment and cultural heritage and are the lifelines to healthy oceans, forests and communities … Rivers have moulded our identity, culture and landscape and have done much to make us what we are as citizens of Toronto and Canadians.”

Celebrate Rivers Day
To celebrate Canadian Rivers Day, check out an event near you or organize a riverbank cleanup. You can also celebrate by getting out in nature and enjoy the rugged beauty of our Canadian rivers, such as by kayaking or canoeing on your local river.