Will you ring in the brand new year with a plunge into wintry waters? Whether you relish January 1’s icy swim events or whether you simply lost a bet at a New Year’s Eve party here are a few tips to keep you safe during this invigorating annual tradition.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding access to West Island, Swim Drink Fish will pause our water quality monitoring program at the West Island Beach for the foreseeable future. We’ve been grateful for the ability to support the many amazing folks who access our water quality results to make an informed decision about when they can access the waters at Ontario Place.

A Joint Announcement from Lauren Brown Hornor and Matt Brown

Biinaagami — a term bestowed upon this initiative by Anishinaabek grandmothers Barbara Nolan and Donna Debassige of Mnidoo Mnising (“Island of the Great Spirit” or Manitoulin Island) — translates to “clean, pure waters” in Anishinaabemowin. It stands as a testament to our undertaking, not just in name but in spirit.

Working in communications in the environmental sector, you used to have to really pull on the climate change thread to explain to the public that things were bad, getting worse and about to be catastrophic. But now, we need only a gentle tug at that thread to see that climate change is the devil holding together our new hellscape.

As the cooler autumn season gains momentum, we’re excited to offer an update on the Victoria Hub’s inaugural three months at the Power To Be base camp by Prospect Lake. It has been a memorable start for the Hub, marked by the establishment of our lab and office space, the commencement of weekly sampling off the dock, joining a network of passionate water stewards, and engaging community members at events and workshops.