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How 4 Weeks in False Creek Changed the Way I See It

By Emmalee Biebl

Since starting at Fraser Riverkeeper, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time around the edges of False Creek assisting our Water Monitoring Coordinator, Katie Moore. We frequently have passersby ask us about the water quality—many saying they would never get in the water here— alluding to some dirty, industrial past. As someone who just moved to Vancouver a few years ago, I only knew False Creek as the beautiful park-lined inlet where paddlers and boaters enjoy the water year-round. The more time I spent working around the inlet, the more questions I had unanswered. I mean, why is it even called False Creek?

Faces of Swim Drink Fish: BBTV

By Julia Pepler

On a cloudy Wednesday, July 24, the Fraser Riverkeeper team was joined by a group of almost 20 BroadbandTV (BBTV) employees for a morning on Granville Island. This day gave us a chance to get to know each other, connect with the waters that flow through False Creek and beyond, and introduce the BBTV volunteers to citizen science.

MEDIA RELEASE: Vancouverites Can Now Access Recreational Water Quality Information at False Creek Year-Round

For Immediate Release, July 18, 2019

Vancouver's Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches

By Emmalee Biebl

We know that water quality can affect human health but what about the health of our beloved furry friends? Vancouver has some amazing off-leash dog parks with water access but, just like humans, dogs’ health can be impacted by bacteria in the water. Before you head out to any of these doggie beaches check out Swim Guide to find up-to-date info about their water quality.

Faces of Swim Drink Fish: Patricia and John

By Julia Pepler

The Swim Drink Fish movement is one that grows every day with more people getting inspired to connect with their local water bodies and protect what they love. As our movement grows, we meet people with their own unique connections and stories to tell. Our new series, Faces of Swim Drink Fish, will celebrate those who have become a part of our movement locally in Vancouver and have joined us in ensuring swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all.

What You Should Know Before Visiting the Beach this Summer

By Julia Pepler

As summer heats up, one of the best ways to cool off is by the water. There are countless ways to ensure your trip to the beach is one for the books. Take the time before you head down to the water to check Swim Guide in order to easily find the closest beaches, know at a glance which ones are safe for swimming, and share your love of the water with friends and family.

Celebrating Environmental Leadership in Canada

For Canadian Environment Week we are taking the time to appreciate the diverse and resilient natural environment that Canadians are fortunate to experience. More importantly, we are celebrating those who protect this natural environment—leaders who protect the wildlife, rivers, lakes, and oceans that we so fundamentally depend on. One of these fearless leaders is our Riverkeeper and Partnership Lead for Swim Drink Fish, Lauren Hornor.

Read These 7 Books to Connect with Water on a Deeper Level

By Julia Pepler

There’s no denying that our team is a passionate group of water nerds. Over the years we have collected a roster of books that help us connect to water, whether we are landlocked and dreaming of open water or craving a good read that motivates us in our mission of swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. Writing and art provide a powerful connection that teleports us to the water and ignites a passion for protecting our precious resource. The books below helped us connect to Canada’s beautiful water bodies and appreciate just how precious they are, we hope they do the same for you.

Uncovering the Mystery of Vancouver’s Lost Streams

By Julia Pepler

Recently, I was biking along 6th Avenue when I heard the rushing of water next to a roundabout. I pulled over to confirm that I was indeed hearing water below the street. This piqued my curiosity. When I got home, I began researching the area and learned that it’s home to an underground stream. What is more, I found that there are dozens of streams hidden out of sight and that Vancouver was once home to a thriving population of Pacific Salmon1. But I still had a lot of questions: What effect did these streams have on the environment? Why did the salmon disappear? Can we bring them back and “rewild” Vancouver?

Hidden cameras fight illegal dumping that costs taxpayers millions each year

Officials dream up new ways to track down people who sully rivers, forests

CBC News, Yvette Brend

The spring melt in B.C. uncovers crocuses — and garbage, by the truckload in some spots.