Harbour Day celebrations are just a paddle stroke away from taking place for the first time.
The free event aims to celebrate the Victoria Harbour through healthy, inexpensive and environmentally friendly activities on the water.
"We decided we wanted to be very positive and upbeat to celebrate what we have," said Jenny Sutton, an avid kayaker and one of five founding members of the new Victoria Harbour Celebration Society, which is organizing the festivities.
"We have a jewel of a harbour."
The event will showcase a variety of activities, in hopes that locals and tourists will be encouraged to try a new recreational pastime on the water.
Among those scheduled are non-competitive citizen races for kayakers, surf skiers, standup paddle-boarders, canoers, rowers and dragon boaters. There will also be information displays on paddling and rowing organizations that operate in the harbour.
Victoria Harbour Day happens Sunday (April 17) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be based at Lime Bay Park along the Westsong Walkway, off Cooperage Place in Victoria's Songhees development neighbourhood. Racing takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For a detailed race schedule, please visit www.savevictoriaharbour.com.
emccracken@vicnews.com