Did you know our community has a regional Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Strategy? How did it come to be? In 2018, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) ran a referendum to step-up watershed protection. What has happened since then? And what’s next?
Monday, December 15th | 6:30-8:30pm | VIU Cowichan - Lecture Hall 140, 2011 University Way, Duncan | FREE
Come ‘dive’ into the topic of drinking water with us and learn about our community’s water! Water that is fish-friendly, swimmable, and drinkable is an important aspect of a healthy watershed, and Water Quality is one of the Cowichan Watershed Board’s Targets for Watershed Well-being. At our December Speakers Night, we’re excited to be joined by Galen McMenamin to learn about the CVRD’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection strategy and how our drinking water is being monitored and stewarded for the future!
Galen McMenamin is a Senior Environmental Analyst for the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). As a part of his role, Galen also coordinates the regional Drinking Water and Watershed Protection strategy. Galen joined the CVRD in January of 2025 and brings his experience in both consulting and mining environments, working on projects related to groundwater exploration and assessments, surface water and groundwater monitoring, and water resource management. Galen is a firm believer in fostering collaborative and positive community relationships to facilitate holistic and effective watershed governance and stewardship practices to support lasting positive change.
Join us on Monday, December 15th to learn more about our community’s water and ask your most pressing questions about drinking water! Come early a little earlier than usual (6:30pm) to join us for a short Winter Social before Galen’s talk! Enjoy holiday punch, salmon and bear gingerbread cookies made by Kim Barnard, and a chance to catch-up with and get-to-know other friends of the watershed! Galen will also bring with him the CVRD’s new educational watershed model that you can look at during the social or after his presentation. With lots to do and learn at our December Speakers Night, we look forward to seeing you there!
This Speakers Series is hosted by the Cowichan Watershed Board, with the support of VIU Cowichan and funding from the Watershed Security Fund.
Photo in header image provided by Barry Hetschko. Headshot provided by Galen McMenamin.
