About Us

Together, we can make a difference

Who We Are

We are a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors. We consist of a team of professionals who work with communities, universities, volunteers, local, Provincial and Federal governments, First Nation governments, and other non-profit organizations. We work on environmental projects designed to conserve and restore watersheds that provide benefits to the community. We have a strong regional focus in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. 

Our Vision

We believe healthy watersheds provide the foundation for healthy and vibrant communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster stewardship in the Fraser Valley through:

  • science,
  • collaboration, 
  • community support, 
  • and active habitat, watershed, and ecosystem restoration. 

Our Purpose

In accordance with our society and charitable constitution, our purpose is to:

  • organize and participate in environmental projects designed to conserve, protect, and restore watersheds in the Fraser Valley,
  • increase community understanding about Fraser Valley watersheds by providing seminars and training on watershed management,
  • undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the aforementioned charitable purposes.

Our History

The FVWC has undergone 4 phases of change from where we started as an organization to where we are today. 

Phase 1 (1997 to 2002)

  • The FVWC was formed in 1997 under the fisheries renewal as a regional delivery agent. During this time, the FVWC facilitated and distributed millions of dollars each year to support regional fish habitat projects.
  • In 2000, the FVWC won the Fraser Basin Council's Caring for Ecosystems Award.

  • In 2002, the Fisheries Renewal BC funding was cancelled.

Phase 2 (2002 to 2005)

  • 2002 to 2005 was as a transitional period for the FVWC where there was no funding, but the core group of dedicated members remained. 

Phase 3 (2005 to 2019)

  • The FVWC slowly started regaining momentum by re-building our brand, reputation, and function.

  • In 2005 the FVWC became a registered Society, as a as a partnership between the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC) with technical support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Restoration Unit and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Through this partnership with the FVRD and DFO, the FVWC was able to jointly fund a full-time Watershed Coordinator position with the organization, marking the first full-time employed staff-member of the organization. 

  • In 2010 the FVWC received Federal Charity status and expanded the watersheds program and partnerships to include all levels of government, First Nations, community groups and academia to improve the health of watersheds in the Fraser Valley of B.C.

  • In 2016 the FVWC won the Abbotsford Environmental Leadership Award - Grassroot Project for Browne Creek Wetland.

  • In 2019 won the Mission Rotary Club - Environmental Stewardship Award.

Phase 4 (2019 to present)

  • The FVWC completed a strategic workshop and developed a plan for the Watersheds Coalition programs and region.

  • The FVWC also completed an HR audit and Human Capital assessment to build a stronger, more effective team. 

 

Core Values

  • Integration

    Understanding that land, water, air and living organisms are integral parts of any ecosystem. We approach watershed well-being taking into account social, economic and environmental aspects.

    Collaboration

    We bring together communities, organizations and agencies, fostering communication with a non-adversarial approach.

    Action

    Our goal is to inspire and facilitate action at all levels within a community in stewardship activities that will improve watershed health.
  • Conservation & restoration

    Our education and actions are aimed at hands-on conservation, restoration and enhancement projects that contribute to the sustainability of healthy watersheds.

    Inclusiveness

    We encourage engagement of all Fraser Valley communities and citizens.

    Scientific knowledge

    Scientific and traditional knowledge: We draw on science-based backgrounds and appropriate cultural approaches to analyze, discuss and plan action around our projects.
  • Respect

    We recognize and respect the needs and obligations of others in our community interactions.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC) provides an equitable work environment for staff, contractors, volunteers, partners and members. The FVWC does not advocate, support or practice unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, age, national origin, status, language, sex, sexual preference, or disability for all its operational and organizational activities.

Land Acknowledgement

The Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition operates across the Fraser Valley, known as S’ólh Téméxw, the unceded traditional territories of the Stó:lô and Coast Salish First Nations. We value the opportunity to work with Indigenous People on these lands to enhance natural watershed resilience and togetherness for the future.

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