The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (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.
The first Canadian Heritage River was the French River in Ontario, designated in 1986. There are about 36 designated and 6 nominated rivers across Canada, and more are being added to the system each year. 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.
Designated rivers
The rivers currently designated as a Canadian Heritage River are:
| River | Province/Territory | Year |
| Alsek River | Yukon | 1986 |
| Arctic Red River | Northwest Territory | 1993 |
| Athabasca River | Alberta | 1989 |
| Bloodvein River | Manitoba/Ontario | 1987/1998 |
| Bonnet Plume River | Yukon | 1998 |
| Boundary Waters | Ontario | 1996 |
| Clearwater River | Saskatchewan/Alberta | 1986 |
| Detroit River | Ontario/Michigan | 2001 |
| Fraser River | British Columbia | 1998 |
| French River | Ontario | 1986 |
| Grand River | Ontario | 1994 |
| Hillsborough River | Prince Edward Island | 1997 |
| Humber River | Ontario | 1999 |
| Kazan River | Nunavut Territory | 1990 |
| Kicking Horse River | Alberta/British Columbia | 1989 |
| Main River | Newfoundland | 2001 |
| Margaree River | Nova Scotia | 1998 |
| Mattawa River | Ontario | 1998 |
| Missinaibi River | Ontario | 2004 |
| The Three Rivers | Prince Edward Island | 2004 |
| North Saskatchewan River | Alberta/Saskatchewan | 1989 |
| Upper Restigouche River | New Brunswick | 1998 |
| Red River of the North | Manitoba | 19xx |
| Rideau Waterway | Ontario | 2000 |
| Seal River | Manitoba | 1992 |
| Shelburne River | Nova Scotia | 1997 |
| Soper River | Nunavut | 1992 |
| South Nahanni River | Northwest Territories | 1987 |
| St. Croix River | New Brunswick/Maine | 1991 |
| St. Marys River | Ontario/Michigan | 2000 |
| Tatshenshini River | Yukon | 2004 |
| Thames River | Ontario | 2000 |
| Thelon River | Nunavut Territory | 1990 |
| West Road River (aka Blackwater River) | British Columbia | 19xx |
| Yukon River (The Thirty Mile Section) | Yukon | 1991 |
Nominated rivers
- Bay du Nord River - Newfoundland
- Churchill River - Saskatchewan
- Coppermine River - Nunavut Territory
- Cowichan River - British Columbia
- Hayes River - Manitoba
- Jacques-Cartier River - Quebec
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
