Communities celebrate BC Day with Clean Water Projects
Pacific Western Brewery and sister company Natureland Organics announced the list of water clean-up projects they will support through the Pacific Pilsner and Pureiän Springs BC Waters Clean-Up Challenge today.
Earlier this spring, the sponsors announced that part of the proceeds from sales of Pacific Pilsner and Pureiän Springs would fund a $20,000 water clean-up program. They invited communities all across BC to share the story of their stream, river, lake or shoreline and their proposed clean-up project for funding and other support, and promised to announce winners before BC Day weekend.
“We were thrilled to receive applications from communities from all over British Columbia, who told us why their local water is important to them. They shared their clean-up ideas, as well as photos, video and social media projects. Most importantly, they shared their passion for nurturing their communities and for clean water for everyone to enjoy,” said Kazuko Komatsu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Western Brewery.
The sponsors and The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, BC Lake Stewardship Society and BC Rivers Day reviewed the applications and selected the following water clean-up projects to receive funding and other support this summer.
Cowichan – Cowichan Land Trust for Cowichan River
Langley – Langley Environmental Partners Society for Bertrand Creek
Nadsilnich Lake (near Prince George) – Nadsilnich Lake Community Association for its lake
North Vancouver – Morten Creek SEP Society for Lynn Creek/Keith Creek confluence
Okanagan Falls – Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation for Skaha Lake
Pemberton – In-SHUK-ch Nation for Lower Lillooet River (south of Pemberton)
Prince George – Fraser Basin Council for Nechako River
Quesnel – Baker Creek Enhancement Society for Dragon Creek
Quesnel – Horsefly River Roundtable for Horsefly River
“We are very proud to celebrate British Columbia, and BC Day, by supporting clean water projects. Water is one of BC’s most important resources and a jewel of our province. We appreciate its abundance as we brew our beers and create refreshing drinks with the pure spring water at our own facility in Northern BC,” said Kazuko Komatsu.
“BC Rivers Day will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on September 26 of this year. These projects are a great way to build up to this important celebration of our connection with local waters, which will involve virtually every community in the province”, said Mark Angelo, BC Rivers Day founder and Chair of the Rivers Institute at BCIT in Burnaby.
“These shoreline clean-up and restoration projects will not only create a sense of pride and accomplishment within a community, but will also have a positive impact on terrestrial and aquatic life that depend on healthy lake ecosystems” said Skye Dunbar, Project Coordinator, BC Lake Stewardship Society in Kelowna.
“Community groups from all across BC expressed their concern and commitment to their local streams and waters, and particularly the banks and shores surrounding them, to help them thrive. We look forward to working with community groups to help make these worthy projects successful and meaningful,” said ZoAnn Morten of The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation in Vancouver.
The sponsors and partners will share information about each of the clean-up projects as they take place at www.pwbrewing.com and at www.natureland.ca this summer.
Established in 1957 in Prince George, BC, on a fresh water spring, Pacific Western Brewing Co. is BC’s largest and longest established independent, Canadian-owned brewery. Pacific Western Brewery is committed to brewing consistently high quality beers, responsibly stewarding our shared resources and environment, and participating in programs and initiatives that benefit our local community and province.
Natureland Organics, Pacific Western Brewery’s sister company, creates and bottles certified organic Pureiän spring water and flavoured beverages: EnergyMax, an organic, caffeine-free and healthy alternative to many energy drinks; RelaxMax, with GABA, a naturally produced form of the amino acid the body uses to counteract stress and improve mental focus; VitalMax which contains coenzyme Q10, a naturally forming antioxidant studied for its anti-aging benefits and role in cognitive health—all available throughout British Columbia in London Drugs and Choices Markets.
Stay tuned for stories, photos and videos as these projects get underway across the province.