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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
DUNCAN – A plaque commemorating the Cowichan River’s designation to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System was unveiled today by federal, provincial and First Nations officials.
The plaque was unveiled
by the Honourable David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Victoria, on behalf
of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada, along with the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister
of Environment for British Columbia, and Chief Harvey Alphonse of the Cowichan
First Nation.
Located near Duncan, the
river is the centrepiece of the Cowichan Valley and home to the Cowichan First
Nation, which has maintained a strong connection to the river and surrounding
area. The Cowichan has also played a significant role in development of the
region.
“When we consider the role that rivers like the Cowichan played in the
history of Canada, and continue to play in our lives today, we come to better
understand their importance and the need to preserve and protect them,” said
Anderson. “Canada’s heritage rivers are not only valuable resources, they are
also witnesses of our past that offer Canadians unique opportunities to experience
our shared natural heritage and history.”
Based on its outstanding
natural, cultural and recreational values, the Province of British Columbia
designated the Cowichan as a provincial Heritage River in 1995, the same year
the Province protected portions of the river through the creation of Cowichan
River Provincial Park. In 2003, B.C. nominated the river for national status as
a Canadian Heritage River, which it received in early 2004.
“The Cowichan stands out
as one of the most significant rivers in British Columbia,” said Penner. “As
Vancouver Island’s first national heritage river, its importance to the region,
the province and the nation is not only recognized but will be enhanced through
ongoing community-based stewardship programs.
To the Cowichan First Nation, the river has provided sustenance and spiritual use over thousands of years. As the historical stewards of the river, the Cowichan First Nation will provide the leadership in development and delivery of stewardship programs.
“We considered the fish
stock and habitat status, uncertainties around escapement and the catch
program,” said Chief Alphonse. “We also included population, habitat recovery
and stewardship goals, implementation and recovery costs. The co-operation of
our three tiers of government will help to restore the Cowichan River to its
once historical levels, which I was fortunate enough to witness.”
The designation of the Cowichan brings to three the number of rivers in British Columbia with Canadian heritage river status. The other two are the Fraser and the Kicking Horse. British Columbia, which has 20 provincial heritage rivers, is also proposing the Adams, Stikine and Skagit for Canadian heritage river status.
The Canadian Heritage Rivers Systems is Canada’s national river conservation program, through which federal, provincial and territorial governments and other interested parties co-operate to recognize, protect and manage Canadian rivers that represent outstanding natural and/or cultural values and recreation opportunities. Designation to the CHRS means that these natural, human and recreational values will not degrade and that landscaping will be done in accordance with the principles of sustainability and good stewardship.
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For more information about the BC Heritage Rivers Program, visit wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/heritage_rivers_program/home.html online.
(Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under “What’s new.”)
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of the Environment 819 997-1441
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Communications Director Ministry of Environment 250 387-9973
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Field Unit Superintendent Parks Canada, Coastal British Columbia 250 363-3511
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Communications Manager Khowutzun Development Corporation 250 746-8350
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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