The public is invited to check out some rapids, even if it is from afar, and join the Mamquam River Access Society (MRAS) and the 麻豆社国产Paddling Society at the third annual Whitewater Festival on Saturday June 12.
MRAS director John Harvey said the day would be fun for enthusiasts and the general public alike because of the stunning location, the Mamquam River.
"It's an unbelievable resource," he said.
A newly rebuilt road and trail access make the site a wonderful attraction, said Harvey, and more public trails and easier public access will make the spot even better.
"Our vision for the MRAS is in fact the whole Mamquam River is a linear park and it should be protected and designated as such."
Harvey said the MRAS wants to build a suspension bridge half way down the river between the powerhouse bridge and the highway bridge to create a connectivity that doesn't currently exist.
"Put a suspension bridge in there and imagine the draw that becomes," he said.
"I sense that the Mamquam River resource is just as valuable as the Smoke Bluffs Park resource. If it could be harnessed and a suspension [bridge] would do that, it would tie it together. A linear park designation would be huge."
The public is invited to visit the site during by showing up to the festival - or, as Harvey jokingly called it the Test of Paddle - on Saturday June 12, and enjoy everything the local whitewater community has to offer.
Celebrations kick off at 9 a.m. with music, kids games, a barbecue and an exhibition of whitewater manoeuvring.
A free shuttle service will be available for the public who are asked to park their vehicles before the powerhouse gate.
The whitewater site can be found approximately five kilometres down the Mamquam Forest Service Road, downriver from the power plant.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, Sea to Sky Kayaking and a few other organizations will be present showing of demonstration boats and a recreational timed race will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Harvey said the first 10 festival goers to sign up for a Sea to Sky Kayaking beginner course at the festival will get a discount on their lessons.
The day will wrap up on the river by 6 p.m. but an after party is slotted for the Howe Sound Brew Pub afterwards.
Harvey recommends anyone who might be interested in becoming a paddler show up and get to know the whitewater community.
Admission to the after party costs $10 per person, but attendees will receive on free drink ticket as well as a change to will door prizes or bid on silent auction items.
Back by popular demand, reggae-pop group Roots System will provide live music for the evening.
