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Celebrate all things river at free family-friendly Burnaby event

World Rivers Day is coming Sunday, Sept. 22.
Mark Angelo at Guichon
Burnaby Beavers 7th South West group release fry into Guichon Creek with Mark Angelo.

Burnaby is set to celebrate its local rivers this month. 

More than 100 countries and millions of participants are preparing to mark World Rivers Day this Sunday, Sept. 22, for a commemorative day that has its roots in B.C.'s Rivers Day.

It has become one of the largest environmental celebrations on the planet, according to an event press release.

The theme is "waterways in our communities," with an emphasis on protecting rivers that remain in a healthy state and striving to restore those damaged in the past.

Burnaby Village Museum will host an event Sept. 22 with demonstrations, displays, entertainment and more to share information about local waterways and restoration efforts.

The City of Burnaby will also partner with the Lower Mainland Green Team to remove invasive plants. Residents can sign up to help.

Volunteers will work with streamkeepers and learn how to protect Burnaby's waterways.

"World Rivers Day is an opportunity for literally millions of people around the world to come together to commemorate the importance of healthy vibrant waterways," said Mark Angelo, Burnaby local and founder and chair of World Rivers Day, in the release.

Angelo founded BC Rivers Day in 1980; in 1993, Burnaby was the first municipality in the province to proclaim BC Rivers Day, according to the museum.

Burnaby Village Museum: World Rivers Day 2024

When: Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave.)
Cost: Free admission