BC and World Rivers Day on Sunday, September 22nd is intended “to bring general awareness to the rivers that support our towns and a lot of our water supply,” said Shannon McGinty, program coordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA).

“The Columbia River has a huge value and importance to our community because it really is one of the huge economic drivers in our community. It forms Lake Windermere, which is a large reason why people live here and why people choose to vacation and recreate here.”

While the lake stayed within healthy parameters for the year, Ms. McGinty has concerns with fertilizers and nutrients that leached into the water in previous years.

“This river continues on for thousands of kilometres all the way down to the Pacific Ocean, so anything we do here at the source is going to stay with the river,” she said. “We’re not doing awful, and there’s always room for improvement.”

There’s also room for more appreciation, she said, adding that she hopes residents learn about our water during the international and provincial day for rivers.

Paddling with pals

LWA and Wildsight Invermere invite paddlers to join them for a trip down the Columbia River.

The paddle will take place on Sunday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Paddlers will meet at Columbia River Paddle in Invermere and splash their way to Radium.

The expedition is free for those who have their own vessels and can arrange their transportation, or, for $20, they and their kayaks can get a lift back to Columbia River Paddle.

Those who would like to rent canoes, kayaks and standup paddles for the journey can do so for $50, which includes a shuttle back to the starting point.

While the shuttle and rentals are provided by Columbia River Paddle and are available at a discount, registration is through the LWA at [email protected] or 250-341-6898.

Lunch, water, weather-appropriate clothing and life jackets are recommended.

Artifishal film screening

Also in honour of BC and World Rivers Day, the LWA and Wildsight will be hosting a free-by-donation movie night.

They will be showing Artifishal on Sunday, September 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Valley Centre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m..

Artifishal is about “rivers all over the world and the cost of fish farms,” Ms. McGinty said. It’s also about wild fish and wild salmon.