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How Upgrading the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to “True Tertiary” Would Fulfill a Legacy - Fraser Riverkeeper

By Lauren Brown Hornor

Today, Fraser Riverkeeper submits its comments in support of Metro Vancouver’s proposal to upgrade Iona Plant to tertiary level of wastewater treatment. 

It takes time, resilience, patience, and leadership to build a community of people working for swimmable, drinkable fishable water.  

The recent announcement by Metro Vancouver that the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, after 57 years of functioning as a rudimentary primary treatment facility (discharging undertreated sewage directly into the Salish Sea), will be upgraded to a tertiary plant (one that has the potential to be truly protective of water quality and fish habitat), underscores how dedication, hard work and a team of passionate people can make a meaningful impact.

Following The Mighty Fraser

Deep in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia’s Mount Robson Provincial Park there is a dribbling spring. This backcountry stream forms the source of the mighty Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest and most prolific waterway.^[1] 

What Do We Do With The Poo?

By Imogene Broberg-Hull

Birds do it, bees do it…got a feeling even sailors on the high seas do it. Fall in love? No, I’m talking about poop.

The Secret Night Lives of Plankton

Vancouver fireworks may be cancelled this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still take in a spectacular nighttime light show. Don’t look up, look down!

How We Monitor Water Quality This Summer in Downtown Vancouver

By Imogene Broberg-Hull

Safe to say no one saw 2020 unraveling the way it did. Our Vancouver Monitoring Program was put on hold in late March because of, well, you know what. But we are back! Things just look a little different.

Hi, I'm Imogene, Fraser Riverkeeper's New Communcations Coordinator

By Imogene Broberg-Hull

I’m sitting in a lawn chair, computer atop my lap as the late day tide laps at my toes - suffice to say i’ve found the perfect job. My name is Imogene Broberg-Hull, and I am the new Communications Coordinator for Fraser Riverkeeper, an initiative of Swim Drink Fish!

Buy our Vintage Tees and Support Swimmable, Drinkable, Fishable Water

By Julia Pepler

In May, Swim Drink Fish launched a new collection of vintage style t-shirts for their 2020 Collection.

What you need to know about camping in BC

By Julia Pepler

Summer in BC wouldn’t be the same without camping, spending time outdoors, and exploring BC’s waters. With so many people feeling the need to get outside after a lengthy quarantine, folks will be flooding to recently opened campgrounds to get that fresh air. But COVID-19 restrictions have changed the way many campgrounds will operate. Here’s what you need to know about camping in BC right now.

Help us monitor your favourite beach

By Julia Pepler

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our Swim Drink Fish offices around Canada, we quickly refocused on how to engage people in Citizen Science while abiding by the strict social distancing protocols. One of our biggest needs when it comes to protecting our waters, is collecting data that helps track their health, use, and cleanliness over time. Meet Gassy!

Can I go swimming this summer?

By Julia Pepler

Summer is almost in full swing. With temperatures rising, cool lakes, rivers, oceans, and pools are looking very appealing. But a lot of people are wondering if they'll catch COVID-19 from swimming this summer.