Working to nurture, share, and protect the waters of the Bow River Basin.
The Bow River Basin Council
is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder, charitable organization. We serve the collective interests of more than 1.3 million residents as a widely trusted voice of reason, respect, and balance within our watershed.
Comprised of over 450 active members and more than 700 participants, the Council welcomes a diverse and devoted membership including members from a broad range of sectors.
We are dedicated to facilitating meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding, and work to provide unique opportunities that lead to tangible impacts. Together, through science and inclusion, we promote balanced solutions for a healthy watershed.
What we do
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We create inclusive opportunities that promote sharing perspectives, information, and resources, and foster lasting partnerships via educational/networking forums and workshops throughout the year.
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Our future priorities and actions are informed scientifically through detailed watershed reporting and integrated adaptive planning .
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Through funding and in-kind resources, we support effective stewardship initiatives working towards a healthy basin.
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The BRBC houses 5 member-led standing committees that focus efforts on specific facets of our core mission.
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Sustainable funding fuels the work we do and allows us to support projects across the Bow Basin. The BRBC prides itself on maintaining autonomy and integrity via diverse funding sources, including donations by our membership and partners.
History
Through the extensive work of our Board and a broad base of dedicated volunteers, the BRBC enjoys a rich history of accomplishments.
While the Bow River Basin Council’s origins date back to the mid-1980s, the BRBC was formally established as an independent, non-profit society in 2000.
In 2004, the BRBC’s role was expanded as the designated Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Bow River watershed under the Government of Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy.
The BRBC recently celebrated 20 years of work as an independent charity and looks forward to continuing its central role in the Bow River Basin.
Awards
2008 - Alberta Minister of Environment Award for Contributions to Water For Life (5 years)
2008 – North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Technical Excellence Award
2009 – Calgary Award for Environmental Achievement
2010 – Alberta Stewardship Network (ASN) Grassroots Environmental Stewardship Award
2010 – Alberta Emerald Award Recipient
2018 – Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Sustainable Communities Water Prize (Okotoks Bioretention Collaborative Project)