World Water Day ... a look at Nanaimo & Region

This is Canada Water Week and several local organizations have teamed up in the Nanaimo area to "think globally and act locally", holding a public event on World Water Day.

"A year ago local residents south of Nanaimo met and talked about major water problems that had come to light in Cedar and Yellowpoint," says event organizer Laurie Gourlay. "This year increased interest in water, and our future water needs for the entire region, has led to several groups hosting a free public meeting at VIU."

The Nanaimo & Area Land Trust, VIU Students Union, and Mid-Island Sustainability and Stewardship Initiative have arranged for three speakers to present short overviews on water and its importance in the mid island region - on Thursday, March 22, World Water Day.

"Water has increasingly become central to all development decisions in the region," says Gourlay, President of MISSI. "We wanted everyone in the mid island to have a chance to get a better understanding of the challenges we face, the opportunities for water conservation, and some of the ways our local watersheds maintain a balance with nature."

Stephen Earle, a Professor in the Earth Sciences Department at Vancouver Island University, will speak about matters relevant to the 'Supply & Vulnerability of Water on Vancouver Island'. Jack Anderson, the owner of Greenplan home and sustainable community designs in Cedar, will provide an overview on plans that are in the works for 'Water Conservation & Rainwater Harvesting' in the region. And the executive director of the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust, Gail Adrienne, will walk us through some of the campaigns and successes she has experienced in '15 Years of Stewarding Local Watersheds'.

As well, short updates will be heard on the Nanaimo River and it's recreational value, and the Cedar area's water supply, provided by VIU lecturer Don Cohen and MISSI's Laurie Gourlay.

"NALT, VIUSU and MISSI hope this event will contribute to the initiatives of the City of Nanaimo as it engages the public in strategic planning meetings, and as the Economic Development Commission looks to identify the essential elements for our region's growth and future." Gourlay notes.

"Water is so much a part of everything that we do," Gourlay adds. "We all need to consider how we use water, and how vital it is to our health and the prosperity of our communities. And let's not forget what nature and the environment need to maintain the quality and high standard of living we all enjoy in our beautiful coastal region!"

The free public meeting, 'World Water Day ...A Look at Nanaimo & Region', will be held on Thursday March 22nd, 7–9 pm at Vancouver Island University, Bldg. 200 Room 203. Everyone is welcome.

Members of the local 'Resident's Committee on Water' will be welcoming questions from students and visitors, while handing out information and background material on water and the region, at the 'All-day Info Table', 10am-3pm in the VIU Cafeteria.