2006 news releases

Sep 20 2006
Rivers Day proponents showcase benefits of rivers
Comox Valley Record

What would life be like in the Comox Valley without rivers?
Impossible, insist proponents of Rivers Day. Everything we cherish is here because of the water that flows from mountains, through farmland, and out of our taps, notes Ed Carswell of Project Watershed. He invites the public to celebrate all this at Rivers Day, on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Puntledge Hatchery in Courtenay from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We’re happy to hold the event once again,” says Puntledge Hatchery Operations Manager Brian Munro. “This is a great chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at the hatchery. Visitors will be able to view salmon through underwater windows, learn how to identify the different species, watch staff perform an ‘egg-take,’ and see the egg incubation operation.” Along with the tour of the facility, there will also be several organizations with interactive educational displays. You will learn how to pickle lamprey, get a close-up view of invertebrates, and take part in the ever-popular event, Fish Print Painting.

This year, hatchery worker Stan Frank will be present with the Comox First Nations I-Hos canoe. Built in the traditional method, this dugout canoe is over 30 feet long and is adorned with a painting of the I-Hos serpent. Cindy Frank of the Nim Nim Interpretive Centre will also have a display and be able to share information about the new centre and campground on the Puntledge River.
Other groups attending will be the Tsolum River Restoration Society, Morrison Creek Streamkeepers, Pacific Streamkeepers Federation and Comox Valley Project Watershed. The Vancouver Island Health Authority will have a display focused on our drinking water source, Comox Lake. As in the past, DFO will bring in several boats and nets, along with the unsinkable Hurricane boat. Food and drinks will be available from the YANA food concession. YANA (You Are Not Alone) is a non-profit group committed to providing medical care to children and youth in the Comox Valley. Established in 1980 and co-ordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Council (ORC), Rivers Day has been proclaimed by communities across B.C. and attracts over 75,000 people to more than 100 events each year. This year’s event in Courtenay is made possible by funding from BC Hydro and the Bridge Coastal Restoration Program, and co-ordinated by DFO and Comox Valley Project Watershed. The Puntledge Hatchery is located a few minutes drive from downtown Courtenay at 38 Powerhouse Rd., just off Lake Trail Road.