Author Archives: Irene

World Rivers Day

This year marks the 40th anniversary of BC River’s Day and the 15th Anniversary of World Rivers Day, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, this year’s event on September 27 at Burnaby Village Museum is cancelled. We look forward to celebrating with you next year. This event has made a big contribution to our community. Learn about Burnaby`s waterways from home this year, as well as the restoration efforts to help protect these environments and how you could get involved.

Founder

Mark Angelo, a Burnaby resident, is the founder of BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day. He is the former head of the BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program, and considered one of the leading river conservationists and has been recognized for his effort throughout Canada, receiving awards, recognitions and even the Order of Canada for his river conservation efforts. 

Burnaby’s Waterways

Did you know that the City of Burnaby has over 90 creeks, two lakes, and a river within its geographic boundaries? If you are exploring Burnaby’s waterways, you will discover many located within Burnaby parks. Please stay on trails to avoid damaging the natural vegetation next to streams, and follow all posted safety signs.

Here are videos about our watershed:

  • Saving Burnaby Lake
    This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby’s 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of Burnaby Lake.
  • Saving the Salmon; the Brunette River Story
    This short film was produced by the City of Burnaby Community Heritage Commission to commemorate Burnaby’s 125th anniversary. It features the story of the preservation of the Brunette River.
  • Urban Salmon in the Brunette River – Metro Vancouver
    The installation of the Cariboo Dam Fish Ladder, along with an improved fish habitat, has resulted in the return of salmon to the Brunette River and Stoney Creek.
  • Salmon Return to Still Creek
    Mark Angelo and others tell an inspiring story about salmon and the transformation of Still Creek, which was a long-abused urban stream in their community.

Click here to learn about the local streamkeeper groups that are active in Burnaby.

Click here to find out the legacy of stewardship at Burnaby Lake and the Brunette River.

Flying into the long weekend like…

Canada Geese coming in for a landing on Burnaby Lake near the Rowing Pavilion.
Photo: I. Lau

☀️
As we celebrate beautiful BC this weekend, we’re happy if you decide to visit our home sweet home.
Just a few things to ensure everyone can enjoy the park:
✅Please stay home if you’re not feeling well. The park will be there when you feel better.
✅Remember to keep physical distance from others outside your bubble. (A cougar or eagle wingspan apart 🦅)
✅Do not gather in large groups
✅Be prepared – bring hand sanitiser, water, a hat, a map – the main trail is 10 km and it can be a lot on a hot summer day
✅Dispose of used tissues and masks properly. There are bins located around the park.
✅Keep four-legged friends on leash 🐕‍🦺🦮for the safety of birds, wildlife, theirs and other park visitors. Check out the Canine Code of Conduct.
✅Reminder: 🚳No bicycles on trails; please use the Central Valley Greenway.
✅As Doctor Bonnie says: “Be kind, be calm and be safe.”
☀️
These simple but important steps will ensure we all enjoy Nature!

The Burnaby Lake Park Association is Hiring!

The Burnaby Lake Park Association’s long serving Coordinator, has retired – thank you for all of your hard work over the years, Ann!  We hope that we will able to gather in the Autumn and celebrate with all our volunteers.

We are looking for someone to step into this role to assist the board deliver on our mission.

CONTRACT POSITION:
Part-Time COORDINATOR for
Burnaby Lake Park Association

THE ORGANIZATION:
The Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) is an incorporated non-profit society that works closely with Metro Vancouver and other park partners to preserve, restore and protect the ecological integrity of Burnaby Lake Regional Park and to increase public appreciation for the natural environment.  Programming is centred on habitat enhancement and restoration, education and outreach. 

To learn more about who we are and what we do, have a look around our website.

THE POSITION:
The BLPA is seeking an enthusiastic and friendly person who has a passion for the environment, to support the BLPA Board and its committees with:

  • Coordination and delivery of volunteer stewardship programs
  • Outreach and event coordination, project planning
  • Administration and fundraising

The successful applicant will show high levels of initiative and organization as well as collaborate with others and work well independently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Coordinator will assist the board of directors in the following areas: 

  • Volunteer recruitment, communication, and retention
  • Planning, coordinating, leading or co-leading BLPA programs and events. These can include but not limited to (in a regular year):
    • 4 Nest Box work parties
    • 14 Invasive Removal/Planting work parties
    • 15 Outreach events in the community
    • Annual General Meeting
    • December Open House
  • Administration and record keeping (e.g. minutes, schedules, volunteer statistics) 
  • Communications and correspondence in a timely manner, with BLPA board members, Metro Vancouver staff, volunteers and outside agencies
  • Collaborating on research and completion of funding applications
  • Researching and developing public program offerings with the board
  • Providing information for inclusion on the BLPA website and social media
  • Contributing to and participating in BLPA public outreach
  • Other relevant duties as directed by the BLPA Board

Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated experience applying the principles and techniques of volunteer management
  • Ability to coordinate and manage volunteer activities with effective group management skills
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating and implementing volunteer-run events
  • Experience in working with a non-profit Board of Directors 
  • Computer skills – proficiency with: 
    • Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
    • Google Apps – Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides
    • Zoom
    • Familiarity with social media – WordPress, Facebook pages, Twitter, Instagram
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills 
  • Strong administrative, organizational and record-keeping skills 
  • Interest in parks, park stewardship and the outdoors 
  • Flexibility – ability to work part-time with hours including evenings and weekends; and be able to effectively alter plans when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate

Requirements:

  • Legally entitled to work in British Columbia 
  • Passed a Criminal Record Check – this role will be interacting with children so while working within the Metro Vancouver Regional Park (MVRP)  system, it will require a Vulnerable Sector Check. If you have had one conducted for a similar role in the same calendar year and that other organization allows you to use it, MVRP may accept it.
  • Level 1 First Aid Training

Assets:

  • Knowledge or experience in ecological restoration or environmental biology 
  • Life-long learner open to new ideas
  • Experience with the BC Societies Act
  • Videography skills and eye for design

Reporting:
The Coordinator will report and be accountable to the BLPA Board and its committees. The position requires regular reporting at monthly BLPA meetings which take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7-9 pm.

TERMS
The coordinator:

  • Will provide their own work space
  • Must have access to a computer with internet capabilities 
  • Will be provided with access to information at Metro Vancouver offices as necessary 
  • Will be required to work both from home and at various programs and events within Burnaby Lake Regional Park and at offsite locations 
  • Regular access to a vehicle and a cell phone for use during events and activities; some work parties and events will require the Coordinator to bring display materials, snacks, etc. to work sites or events that are not easily accessible by transit

Hours of work and remuneration:

  • The coordinator will work an average of 30-50 hours per month including some evening and weekends as necessary
  • There are a number of fixed hours and dates per month as driven by the BLPA calendar of activities; hours may fluctuate seasonally
  • The contract carries with it no commitment to continue services beyond the specified term
  • The contract is funding and performance dependent and will be reviewed for renewal on an annual basis
  • Compensation:  $18 – 22/hour depending on experience 
  • Mileage for BLPA business covered under CRA rate and approved project expenses will be reimbursed 

Contract start date:  TBD
Contract end date:  December 31, 2020 – with possibility of renewal

BENEFITS:

  • Opportunities to work with key stakeholders in Burnaby and Metro Vancouver, including elected officials, government staff, media, non-profit community based organizations, along with businesses and participants from the broader community
  • Being part of a passionate community who help shape the future of Burnaby Lake Regional Park 
  • Learn from the expertise of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff as they provide guidance on stewardship projects, as well as participate in different skill building workshops

CONTRACTOR DEFINITION:
The contractor will be paid an hourly rate for services rendered. Government deductions are not withheld. The coordinator does not receive vacation pay, cost of living allowance, performance bonus or extended health and dental benefits.

Questions? Ready to apply? Please submit your cover letter with resume in one file (PDF or Word document) telling us why you think you would be a great addition to our team to the BLPA’s Chair, Irene Lau by Monday, July 20, 2020:  irene@burnabylakepark.ca.