Imagine the web of waterborne traffic that connects Science World to Granville Island to Sen̓áḵw to David Lam Park to the Aquatic Centre to the Marine Museum. All gliding over waters alive with natural life.
Imagine water so clean that kids can jump off any old boat or platform for a swim, so clean that wild creatures of the Pacific can come downtown to see the bright lights. So pure that sealife can be harvested and consumed along its shoreline.
Imagine clam gardens sprouting up, following the ancient wisdom of First Nations innovators, and elementary school kids in their rubber boots among the wonders of marine life.
Imagine rustic but environmentally pristine facilities for humans and other animals, with (for the humans) music and shopping and showers and food and drink.
Imagine a guided historical tour available on the devices in everyone’s pocket, or from docents who’ll paddle while they storytell.
Imagine public artworks meeting the eye in every direction, water buskers drifting and singing, dancing lights at night.
Imagine a busy water’s edge, a ninth-grade science project here, an introduction to indigenous culture there, and a dance lesson around the next curve of the seawall.
Imagine events: Dragon Boat races, maritime lantern processions, floating fire exhibits,
weddings, concerts, martial arts, barbecues, yoga.
Imagine a watery space cluttered with joy and full of surprises.
We are the Friends of False Creek, a nonprofit society incorporated in BC
We think False Creek can be so much more than it is today. For us, the most compelling path forward is by way of a National Urban Marine Park, because there is precedent and there are evolving models. BC has marine parks, which are exquisite, distant, and expensive. The world has one other national urban marine park – Plymouth Sound National Urban Marine Park in the UK.
Our Mission Statement
We work to restore the False Creek marine environment in alignment with First Nations stewardship values and marine science, with recognition and respect for the presence and rights of all people to enjoy and use False Creek in sound and healthy environmental ways.
We vow to make it happen here.
The work ahead…
Based on our collaboration with the Hakai Institute, the results of False Creek BioBlitz 2022 (expected early 2023) will reveal which conservation projects are most needed. We’re working on the problem of derelict and abandoned boats. We need to start educating a new generation of Marine Stewards and Guardians.
To start, here’s a To-Do list. Please consider adding to it (see form below) by suggesting a project you and your friends can begin doing.
Join us!
The vision is real, it is practical, and serves a variety of important missions and exigencies. A new, ethically-oriented False Creek is in the first stage of being. Help us bring it to full vitality: a watery space cluttered with joy and full of surprises.
Contact Us! Become a False Creek Friend….
We’re on Mastodon!