About the Fraser Basin Council
One look at the Fraser Basin – the area drained by the Fraser River and its 13 main watersheds – and you can see why it plays such a pivotal role in British Columbia's future. Like much of British Columbia, it's bigger than life, stretching nearly 1400 km from the Rockies to Richmond and covering an area the size of Britain or California. The Basin boasts one of world's most productive salmon river systems. Its vast ecosystem supports 65 species of fish and hundreds of species of birds, mammals, plants and trees. 80% of BC's economy is generated in the region. And, perhaps most importantly, for two out of three British Columbians, the Fraser Basin is home.
Achieving a sustainable Fraser Basin is perhaps the most critical challenge facing the 2.7 million British Columbians who live, work and play in the Basin. In 30 years, its population is expected to reach four million people. Managing this growth in ways that enhance the Basin's social, economic and environmental health is an enormous challenge, an important responsibility and an urgent priority.
That's where the Fraser Basin Council comes in.
In 1997, community groups, business and four orders of government, including First Nations, came together to create the Fraser Basin Council. Its mandate is to ensure that the decisions we make now will protect and advance the Basin's social, economic and environmental sustainability into the future. Over the past 10 years, the Council and its partners have tackled more than 50 important sustainability issues, and have established a solid track record of getting people together to find practical, common sense solutions to long-standing issues.
Throughout this website, we have described our vision and mandate, our history, our Board and our unique governance structure. We've tried to present a vivid picture of the Fraser River Basin, its watershed and regions. And finally, we have provided a short summary of our many activities and accomplishments “on the ground."
Your comments, questions and feedback on this site are most welcome. Feel free to Contact Us.