(Editors note: I said I'd never publish two blog posts on the same day ...
...but this is such good news... and I can't keep a good news secret!
We've had such a strong increase in our readership that I want you to read it here first :-)
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Media Release
We are still recovering from the flood of 2014,
and fear is high that this year will bring more trouble. Reservoirs are at
their lowest levels ever – just in case. Canadians rank the economy and
healthcare as the most important national issues, while water pollution and
supply continue to be low priorities. In fact, since 2008, Canadians’ concern
for water quality in lakes, rivers and streams has decreased. Yet 75% of
Canadians understand that, due to climate change, extreme weather events, such
as flooding, will become more and more frequent.
Over $57,000 is designated towards a
very special project to help protect headwaters. A cheque presentation will
take place on RBC’s Blue Water Day, Thursday, June 12th
at 11:00 a.m., at the RBC branch in Lethbridge
(1139 Mayor Magrath
Drive South). Branch manager Brian Bradley will present the
donation to OWC Executive Director, Shannon Frank.
The RBC
Blue Water Project was launched in 2007 to help provide access to drinkable,
swimmable, fishable water today and for future generations. To date, RBC has
pledged over $38 million to more than 650 charitable organizations worldwide
that protect watersheds and promote access to clean drinking water, with an
additional $7.8 million pledged to universities for water programs.
“The Blue Water Project
is an important part of how RBC gives back to the communities we live and work
in,” says Mark Brown, regional vice president, RBC. “Water matters – pure and
simple. Last year, we began focusing our efforts on supporting projects that
help protect and preserve water in communities across the country – projects
just like this.”
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| Photo courtesy Andy Hurly Important at-risk fish species in the headwaters thank the RBC, too! |
The public is invited
to attend to hear Executive Director Shannon Frank explain how that grant money has been designated to protect our headwaters. Our water source begins in the eastern slopes of
the Rocky Mountains and provides all our drinking water in southern Alberta . But all is not rosy – due to increased
development, recreation, industry and agriculture, 80% of our headwaters are
classified as “in danger” as its health declines and species’ populations are
at risk.
The OWC welcomes all
enquiries about watershed management and health –
and how you can make a
difference in your local community.
To find out more – or to become an
important volunteer or sponsor – please contact:
OWC Executive Director
100,
Phone: 403-382-4239
Email: shannon@oldmanbasin.org
www.oldmanbasin.org
