Canadian Heritage Rivers System ( Chrs ), Edmonton, AB

This board is made up of private citizens and senior officials from government departments responsible for the protection of the Canadian environment. The first Canadian Heritage River was the French River in Ontario, designated in 1986. Today, there are 41 Heritage rivers across Canada, and more are being added to the system each year. They range from the Arctic barrens to southern Ontario’s rich farmlands; from Newfoundland’s rocky hills to the mountains and glaciers of the Yukon. The goal is to establish a system that reflects the diversity of Canada’s river environments and celebrates the role of rivers in Canada’s history and society. The dream is to ensure that these rivers flow into the future with their heritage features protected for generations to come. Canada is a nation with a rich river heritage. Rivers molded this country and its peoples. We use rivers as travel routes and as a source of livelihood. We swim and fish in their waters, are challenged by their rapids and wilderness, find peace of mind and solitude along their shores. Rivers are part of our lives and our dreams. Rivers are the threads that weave together the natural and human elements of Canada.
The CHRS was established in 1984 by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to conserve and protect the best examples of Canada’s river heritage, to give them national recognition, and to encourage the public to enjoy and appreciate them. It is a cooperative program of the governments of Canada, all 10 provinces, and the three territories. A 15-member national board administers the program.