The Nanaimo River is an iconic feature of this city and the entire central Island region.
It’s got crucial historic and traditional significance for the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the first people to inhabit this area, and has since become vital to everyday life for everyone in the region.
Even for thousands of people who don’t realize it, the Nanaimo River plays a role in their lives, whether it’s drinking water, water for industrial use, recreation such as swimming, fishing, birdwatching or wilderness camping.
But like most natural features in a largely urban environment, the river is under consistent and heavy pressure due to our constant growth and development, which pushes residential and industrial projects closer and closer to the river corridor.
That constant pressure has had an impact, and not insignificant.
As just one example, the river was once one of the top steelhead rivers on the Island. No longer. It is now considered an extreme conservation concern by the B.C. Conservation Foundation.
Development pressure has other effects, too.
Already, places to access the river for swimming and other recreational pursuits is limited, with people often coming across ‘No Trespassing’ signs. Fair enough. Most of the watershed is privately owned and private owners have rights on their own property.
But the river itself is a public resource.
Conservation and preservation of this precious resource is paramount.
The Nanaimo and Area Land Trust is refocusing its efforts on the river and the public should take note.
The fight to save Nanaimo River is everyone’s fight. Get involved and get active and the river can be preserved.
