Category Archives: History

Picture A Better Planet this Earth Day!

Celebrate Earth Day with the BLPA at Piper Spit

Visit our display at the entrance to Piper Spit to learn about our history, the stewardship work we do and the native species that have benefited from the efforts of our volunteers.

Many birds are also passing through on their spring migration journey along the Pacific Flyway. For the birds that spend spring and summer here, it is the breeding season and there are many nests being built throughout the park. In British Columbia, birds and their nests are protected under the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.  This means restrictions to when and where vegetation clearing may be permitted. As a result, we are unable to host an invasive species removal work party at Piper Spit at this time.

However, you can sign up for a BLPA guided nature walk using popular nature apps and learn how to identify and record your observations, including many of the native species that BLPA volunteers have planted, and the year round and seasonal birds that have been observed at Burnaby Lake!

Lean more about the apps and to register here.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) acknowledges this day as a day of remembrance of the suffering endured by Indigenous people in the residential school system in Canada, suffering that continues today.

We commit to reflection and learning on September 30th and into the future. We commit to inviting local Indigenous people to inform us or support BLPA’s education and awareness activities by sharing their history, rich culture, and ways of knowing.

Join the BLPA Directors in wearing orange on September 30th to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

Learn more: www.orangeshirtday.org

About the image (from Canadian Heritage)

Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented in the image.

Description of the three icons

  • The eagle to represent First Nations
  • The narwhal to represent Inuit
  • The beaded flower to represent Métis

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.