Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has announced the first annual Nils Jensen Memorial Bursary of $2,500 will be given to Tahlia Cook, a student from Saanich School District No. 63.
“Nils had a passion for environmental protection and water security and spent his life serving his community,” said Jean, Nils Jensen’s wife. “I am pleased to be able to honour his memory with the establishment of this bursary fund to support students with similar interests pursue their goals.”
This newly established bursary will be awarded to the local school districts on a rotating basis. The participating secondary school principals will recommend a student to receive the award on the basis of financial need and an interest in environmental protection or water security.
Nils was a Councillor for 15 years on the Oak Bay Municipal Council before becoming the Mayor of Oak Bay in 2011, a position he held until 2018. He also served the broader community by acting as the Chair of the CRD Board and as Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission for 12 years during which time he helped preserve water security for the region.
His efforts were instrumental in spearheading the raising of the Sooke dam in 2002, nearly doubling the capacity of the Sooke Reservoir which has benefited the region in countless ways over the years especially during hot, dry summers like the one experienced last year. Nils also supported the purchase of the Leech Water Supply Area which protects and ensures our drinking water supply, well into the future.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
Photo caption: Tahlia Cook, being presented with the first annual Nils Jensen Memorial Bursary Award from CRD Vice-Chair Rebecca Mersereau with Nicholas Jensen and Jean Thomson
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