Rivers Day was a success this year - not just in Burnaby but around the world.
Burnaby's very own Mark Angelo, a retired BCIT instructor and well-known conservationist, started the annual celebration in B.C., and it's since grown into a worldwide event highlighting the importance of protecting waterways. This year, close to 100 countries around the world marked World Rivers Day.
"We had a huge turnout here. We had great events in Burnaby and New West," Angelo told the NOW, adding an estimated 2,000 people attended Sunday's celebration at the Burnaby Village Museum.
There was a mix of activities, including removal of invasive vegetation and streamside planting, while stewardship and streamkeeping groups manned display booths. Children's musician Will Stroet and displays from wildlife groups kept the kids entertained.
"To see so many young people there was really neat to see because Rivers Day focuses so much on the future and the kind of planet we want to leave for our children," Angelo said.
Local politicians also made an appearance, including MP Kennedy Stewart, MLAs Kathy Corrigan and Richard Lee, Mayor Derek Corrigan and members of council.
