Vedder River Restoration, Youth-Led Action for Freshwater Health

The FBC Youth Program is launching a new project in collaboration with the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, with support from the Canada Water Agency.

The Fraser Basin Council Youth Program is excited to announce the launch of a new project: Vedder River Restoration, Youth-Led Action for Freshwater Health. In collaboration with the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, this project will foster youth engagement and skill development through the restoration of the Vedder River. With support from the Canada Water Agency, the project will equip youth from the Fraser Valley region with practical skills and leadership in sustainability, while learning about Indigenous and western approaches to stewardship and engaging in hands-on activities.

Background

The FBC Youth Program supports young people across BC to gain leadership skills and engage with sustainability initiatives, equipping the next generation of leaders with practical experience in key sustainability and climate change issues. The FBC Youth Program's initiatives and programs are shaped by their Youth Advisory Committee, comprised of 16 youths between 16-30 years old from across the province. With diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds, the Youth Advisory Committee shares their insights about the environmental and climate change priorities their regions face, helping to identify ideas for projects that FBC can initiate. The FBC Youth Program hosts numerous youth-led projects ranging from food security topics to climate resilience, with youth engagement and capacity building at the forefront of their initiatives. 

Project details

The Vedder River Watershed is a diverse ecosystem located on the traditional lands of the Ts'elxwéyeqw Tribe of the Stó:lō Nation. Holding significant ecological, cultural, spiritual, and recreational value, this floodplain area is crucial for the survival of salmon populations as well as many off-channel habitats, animals, and plant species. With support from the Canada Water Agency, the Fraser Basin Council is partnering with the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition to support long-term stewardship of this river through youth involvement in habitat restoration and community engagement. 

This project will involve youth from the Fraser Valley region and will present them with opportunities for hands-on activities to help restore the Vedder River floodplains. Youth will have the opportunity to explore different careers within the restoration and sustainability field, and practice creative storytelling to engage with the wider community. Canada Water Agency's investment in this project enhances the FBC Youth Program's ability to deliver significant restoration outcomes through expansion of capacity for field work and strengthening relationships with community partners. It also helps young people cultivate a sense of confidence in conservation work and deepens their commitment to sustainability in their communities.  

Applications for youth to participate will launch in January 2026. Follow the FBC Youth Program social media accounts or subscribe to the newsletter for updates. Links can be found at https://fbcyouthprogram.ca/. 

Canada Water Agency Announcement

On December 18, 2025, at the Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster, the Canada Water Agency announced over $4.5 million for 39 new projects funded through EcoAction and the Fraser River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative.

The Vedder River Restoration Project received funding through EcoAction, which supports partner-led projects across Canada that improve water quality and protect fresh water and ecosystem health through local actions and innovative solutions.

“Canada Water Agency’s investment in this project strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful restoration outcomes, by expanding capacity for on-the-ground work and deepening engagement with community partners.”  Sonja Dodig, Manager, Youth Program, Fraser Basin Council.

We thank the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, for inviting the Fraser Basin Council to share the news about the Vedder River Restoration launch and for investing in the project which will support young people from across the Fraser Valley.

In addition to support for the Vedder River Restoration project, we are also grateful for the support Canada Water Agency provides towards our work on the Nechako Watershed Roundtable in BC’s northern interior. Serving and connecting people in 15 First Nations, 5 municipalities, and 2 regional districts along with countless other partners to support the health of the Nechako watershed. We are grateful for this ongoing support, and for support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

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