
Our Story
In 1980 a small group of fishermen began a salmon enhancement project to rebuild the coho stock in Oona River. This has grown to be a very successful project, resulting in a large multi-purpose facility which opened in 2000 that continues to evolve. Currently, salmon enhancement takes place downstairs in the wet lab at the facility. The upstairs has a multi purpose room which can be a dorm, meeting room, workshop, retreat space, or even a wedding venue!

Our Mission
The purpose of the Oona River Resource Association (ORRA) a non-profit society is to carry out the following mandate on behalf of its members:
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To do the work of Salmon Enhancement in Oona River and surrounding watersheds in our area.
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To carry out stream and watershed restoration projects.
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To be active in stream assessments and stock enumerations, building on existing databases.
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To develop horticulture potentials, especially in riparian plants native to our area.
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To be active in mariculture, aquaculture and any other opportunities in the natural resources, with the objective to create sustainable community directed economic opportunities, and assist in acquiring funding to develop these industries. All development opportunities are to maintain the biological diversity and genetic integrity of the related ecosystems.
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To act as a vehicle for community economic development initiatives that involve the above activities, directed then towards sustainable practices, First Nations inclusion, strong economic viability, technical skill exchange, while maintaining the community's historical life-style and values.
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To encourage, develop and participate with educational institutes in regards to natural resource programs, aquaculture training and developing models for stream stewardship.
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To be a vehicle to encourage and develop tourism within the community.
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To continue to develop trails and signage along local streams to allow for easier and safer access and stream recognizance.
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To promote local stewardship and public awareness of the value of maintaining healthy in-stream and riparian ecosystems.
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To foster community spirit and involvement in our natural resources, be active in provincial initiatives such as B.C. Rivers Day and any other public activities which will help to develop more public awareness of our aquatic ecosystems, especially the salmonids.

Building Our Facility
Our current facility was built through a community effort that spanned four years, starting in 1996 and concluding with its opening in 2000. By working together, our community was able to create a facility that met the needs of our organization. This process demonstrates the power of when a community comes together and achieves great things.