Meet Lew and learn about our home waters
Most people who spend a lot of time on the Chilliwack River are kayaking, fishing or taking a leisurely afternoon stroll. Lew spends his time doing something different. Meet Lew and take a minute to reflect on the Fraser Valley’s water wealth. And please take another minute to sign the WaterWealth Declaration.
About our home waters
Our home waters encompass a region extending south and west from Yale to Abbotsford, and north from Cultus Lake to the tip of Harrison Lake. It includes the cities of Chilliwack and Hope, the towns of Yale, Harrison and Agassiz, and the territories of the Sto:Lo, Yale, In-SHUCK-ch and Nlaka’pamux First Nations.
People of the Valley
The waters of the Valley and the life sustained within it have supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Long before the first visit of Simon Fraser in 1808, this water wealth allowed them to develop sustainable economies and governance systems. As long-term stewards of lakes, rivers and streams, indigenous communities nurtured the healthy waters we enjoy today.
Today more than 90,000 people live within what is now known as the Fraser Valley and Canyon, enjoying a wealth of benefits that come from the thriving, living waterways of our shared home waters.
The Wealth in Our Water
The Fraser Valley is teeming with life and includes magnificent lakes like Harrison, Cultus, Chilliwack, and Stave.
The Fraser River is the most productive salmon river on earth. It’s vital spawning ground for many salmon species including Pink, chum, coho, chinook, steelhead, and sockeye. It is also the largest spawning ground of pink salmon on the west coast, with over 10 million pink salmon spawning each year. Every fall, in conjunction with the annual salmon runs, Agassiz sees North America’s largest convergence of bald eagles. In 2010, over 7,300 eagles were counted in a 2-kilometre stretch.
The Fraser Valley is also home to Canada’s largest population of the giant White Sturgeon. This living dinosaur is known to reach weights in excess of 1,000 pounds, extend beyond 15 feet in length, and live for more than 150 years. It is a true water monster and the largest freshwater fish in North America. It’s presence supports one of Canada’s most vibrant sports fishing and fresh water tourism industries.