Skip to content

Coming up in Cowichan: World Water Day

Shawnigan Lake marks World Water Day
16051617_web1_coming-up-water-day-event
The Milfoil Monster mascot is part of the fun for World Water Day in Shawnigan Lake on March 22. (submitted)

Shawnigan Lake marks World Water Day

Got clean local water?

“The ability to have access to clean drinking water is imperative to the health and well-being of any community,” explains Shawnigan Basin Society Executive Director Kelly Musselwhite.

In celebration of World Water Day on Friday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the non-profit organization is about to make a splash by launching a community wide fundraiser and a series of fun interactive open houses to continue their work to raise awareness about the need to preserve and protect the Shawnigan Watershed for future generations. This year’s World Water Day theme is focused on “Water For All: Whoever You Are, Wherever You Are, Water Is Your Human Right”.

On World Water Day, the SBS will be hosting an open house at their community office (#4-1760 Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay Rd.). Events will include a large scale interactive art canvas project for participants to share their thoughts on why water is important to the community, an invasive species aquarium display, the launch of the membership and fundraising drive and the introduction of the organization’s new mascot, the cheeky “Milfoil Monster” (one of the problematic plant species currently thriving in Shawnigan Lake!) who will also be hosting a scavenger hunt.

The fundraising flow from the SBS is in response to the loss of the CVRD Tax Function 488. However, the SBS is determined to raise enough funds to continue their work of community engagement to ensure that everyone is made aware of the challenges facing a growing population with a limited water source.

“We look forward to hosting an open house for all members of the community. Celebrating World Water Day is important as we need to work together to preserve our drinking water,” explains Shirley Astleford, fundraiser coordinator and SBS board member. “And there is no reason why we can’t have a little fun while we are doing it.”