There’s a reason they call it the Mighty Peace.

Flowing through the heart of northern Alberta, the Peace River is much more than a landmark on the landscape. It supports communities, wildlife, ecosystems and ways of life that have been connected to the river for generations.

On September 27, people around the world will mark World Rivers Day - an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary value of rivers and the importance of protecting them for the future.

For Energy Alberta, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate a river that is central to the region where we are planning the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.

A Global Celebration with Canadian Roots

World Rivers Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of September, bringing together millions of people in countries around the world to celebrate waterways and encourage their stewardship.

And here’s something Canadians can be proud of: the idea has its roots right here in Western Canada.

Canadian river conservationist Mark Angelo founded BC Rivers Day in 1980. Its success eventually inspired the creation of World Rivers Day in 2005, following the launch of the United Nations Water for Life Decade.

Since then, what started as a Canadian initiative has grown into one of the world’s largest celebrations of rivers.

As Angelo has said, “Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.”

Protecting the Peace

Here in northern Alberta, we don’t have to look far to understand that connection. The Peace River watershed is the largest in Alberta, covering approximately 30 per cent of the province’s land base.

Simply put, the Peace River is essential to life in the north.

That importance comes with responsibility.

Protecting the Peace River watershed is a key consideration as Energy Alberta plans the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.

And that starts with understanding the environment today.

As part of the Project’s Impact Assessment, environmental studies will build a detailed picture of the river and surrounding watershed. This work will include studying hydrology, surface water and groundwater, water quality, fish and fish habitat, wetlands, vegetation and wildlife.

The information gathered will help us understand existing conditions, assess potential effects and identify measures to avoid or minimize impacts.

The Project is also being planned to use a closed-loop cooling system with mechanical draft cooling towers. Cooling water would be recirculated through the system, rather than discharged back into the Peace River as heated water.

Protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems will remain a priority throughout the life of the Project.

‍Every River Tells a Story

World Rivers Day is ultimately about more than water. Rivers connect people, places, ecosystems and generations.

The Peace River has been doing exactly that for thousands of years - shaping the landscape and sustaining life throughout the region.

This September 27, our team is taking a moment to appreciate the rivers that shape our communities and the ecosystems and wildlife they support. For us, World Rivers Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the mighty Peace River and our responsibility to help protect it.

Happy World Rivers Day from the Energy Alberta team.

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