Breaking Water with Winona Pugh
This Breaking Water features Winona Pugh. Winona is currently the Chair for Friends of Tod Creek Watershed. In this feature, Winona tells us all about how she got involved in the movement and what has been the most rewarding part of her time with the organization thus far.
This Breaking Water features Winona Pugh. Winona is currently the Chair for Friends of Tod Creek Watershed. In this feature, Winona tells us all about how she got involved in the movement and what has been the most rewarding part of her time with the organization thus far.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
I am retired from the University of Victoria after a career in recreation, fitness and wellness services which began at the Victoria YM/YWCA. I am now focused on environmental protection and involved as a volunteer with the Friends of Tod Creek Watershed, Peninsula Streams and Shorelines, Saanich Inlet Protection Society and Habitat Acquisition Trust.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I grew up in the best of two worlds, living in the country and close to the protected waters of Saanich Inlet. Thanks to my parents, my early education, employment, and entertainment were all connected to the outdoors and I learned an appreciation and respect for the natural environment. Play was centred on the small stream on our property and the ocean offered fishing, swimming, and beach combing.
How did become involved in Friends of Tod Creek Watershed?
I retired shortly after moving to Prospect Lake and became involved in the newly formed group Friends of Tod Creek Watershed. The founder and chair for many years, Mary Haig Brown soon became my friend, mentor, and inspiration. Through her guidance and teaching, I felt comfortable taking on the role of Chair for the organization in 2021.
What has been the most rewarding part thus far of your time with Friends of Tod Creek?
The opportunity to engage with people as we are doing our water quality measurements, restoration work, or aquatic plant surveys. Local residents and visitors to the lake are interested in their environment and we are able to provide education and awareness through casual conversations as we are doing our work. We also work with school groups to offer experiences in environmental restoration such as salmon releases, removal of invasive species and growing native plants.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
The Friends of Tod Creek Watershed have been stronger and more effective through the partnerships that have developed working for a common purpose. We were one of the first groups to develop a Watershed Management Plan in collaboration with the District of Saanich which later formed the basis for the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area regulations. We have achieved improved habitat on the Tod Flats by working with Peninsula Streams and Shorelines with joint grant applications, shared expenses and volunteer work. A fishway installed in partnership with the Butchart Gardens overcame a major obstacle to fish migrations and we continue to benefit from the support and resources of the BC Lake Stewardship Society. We are excited about the extension of Swim Drink Fish on the West Coast and are looking forward to working together for improved and protected lake health.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with the Victoria Hub
We are thrilled to announce our newest hub in Victoria, British Columbia is up and running! We wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about Katie Wilson, the Victoria Community Based Water Monitoring Coordinator. She tells us about herself and gives us some insight into how things have been going on the West Coast.
We are thrilled to announce our newest hub in Victoria, British Columbia is up and running! We wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about Katie Wilson, the Victoria Community Based Water Monitoring Coordinator. She shares a bit about herself and gives us some insight into how things have been going on the West Coast.
Tell us a bit about your connection to the water.
As someone who grew up on an island, I was grateful to have easy access to multiple water bodies. I remember my entire childhood was spent on or near the water whether it was boating with my family on the strait, swimming in lakes, or canoeing on rivers.
What experiences drove you to a role working towards a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
At age 15, I was introduced to my now good friend who informed me about ocean plastic pollution and the impacts it was having on marine life. This was a catalyst that drove me to pursue an Environmental Studies and Geography degree so I could eventually work in the environmental field and help develop solutions to pressing issues. On my first day of university, I unexpectedly joined the Surfrider Foundation UVic club which turned into four years of leading beach cleanups and engaging students on ways to reduce their plastic consumption.
My first experience considering the importance of water quality happened when I was living in a fairly remote location and the well pump broke, preventing us from accessing water. While we could have purchased bottled water from the store, we chose to collect jugs of water from the river in front of the house. For one week we used the water for all of our daily needs and most importantly, for drinking. I had never questioned the safety of drinking the river water which made me realize the significance of safeguarding it and instilled a greater sense of appreciation.
What has been the highlight of your experience at Swim Drink Fish thus far?
One of the biggest highlights of working for Swim Drink Fish is learning how to gather information for a waterbody by going into the field and observing the multitude of factors that could be impacting its quality. Being able to visit and interact with the location I am sampling, in particular, places I have previously swam at, solidifies the concept of connecting to a place and wanting to protect it.
How do you think Victoria can benefit from recreational water monitoring?
I get the sense water quality is generally overlooked by the public in Victoria given the perception that our water is typically considered some of the cleanest and there is consequently no need to worry. For this reason, I believe people living in Victoria can benefit from recreational water monitoring by becoming more in tune with the potential real impacts on water quality and ultimately their health. By engaging volunteers in the sampling process and providing water literacy, people can become better informed in making decisions regarding their overall interactions with water. I am excited to be at the forefront of helping to launch this new hub because I foresee so many wonderful opportunities for partnerships and community engagement. Additionally, I hope to see the hub’s network expand beyond Victoria to central and northern Vancouver Island communities in the coming years to ensure everyone can participate in protecting their local waterways.
To learn more about Swim Drink Fish and get involved in the movement, visit the links below:
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Angela DeMontigny
This Breaking Water features Angela DeMontigny. Angela is an internationally-renowned Indigenous Canadian designer, an artist, an entrepreneur, a mentor, a visionary, a mom, and so much more. In this Breaking Water, she discusses All Our Relations, the importance of public art installations, and the interconnectedness of our planet.
This Breaking Water features Angela DeMontigny. Angela is an internationally-renowned Indigenous Canadian designer, an artist, an entrepreneur, a mentor, a visionary, a mom, and so much more. In this Breaking Water, she discusses All Our Relations, the importance of the project, and the interconnectedness of our planet.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
Tansi, my name is Angela DeMontigny and I am a fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur, and mentor of Cree/Métis heritage. I have been a pioneer of the Indigenous Luxury movement for over 2 decades and have created original, Indigenous fashion and accessories, lifestyle & wellness products (LODGE Soy Candles) under my own label.
I have always been a passionate advocate for sustainability and slow fashion and follow these principles throughout my design process. I am also known for being a fierce auntie and offer my time as a mentor and supporter of Indigenous women entrepreneurs and young designers not only in my community and throughout Canada but around the world. When I’m asked to speak publicly or facilitate workshops, I strive to not only educate people about Indigenous culture, history and worldviews through art and design but inspire them to think, practice creativity and team build in a way that not only challenges their preconceived ideas but embraces Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Helping others is important to me and something I strive for in everything I do.
I have had the opportunity to show my designs on runways around the world and have had my own retail boutiques/galleries throughout my career - the latest one which I opened on James St. N. in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. Since the beginning of Covid, I have been focusing on my Indigenous wellness products (LODGE Soy Candles) and the major public art project I designed - All Our Relations - for the City of Hamilton’s waterfront.
Tell us about All Our Relations?
All Our Relations is a public art installation I designed for a City of Hamilton/Waterfront Trust public art competition held in 2019. A volunteer citizen jury selected the work "All Our Relations" by the artist team led by myself and supported by Paull Rodrigue Glass, Cobalt Connects, LaFontaine Iron Werks Inc. and EXP to be commissioned in 2020.
The inspiration to create these panels and artwork came through the traditional teachings I’ve received throughout the years as well as the principles of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address.
My hope is to remind people when they visit the Hamilton waterfront, of the intrinsic and interdependent relationship we have with Mother Earth, the natural world: the water, the plants, trees and medicines, and the animal world, This also includes the Spirit World, the Sky Beings, the 4 Sacred Winds, our Grandfather the Sun, Grandmother Moon, and our Ancestors the Stars. I also wanted to acknowledge all the Indigenous Ancestors who have historically called this area home for millennia – from the Neutral, Anishnabek, and Huron nations and more recently, the Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.
As fires are currently burning in parts of Canada and around the world, and global warming melts the permafrost and icecaps in Alaska, the world is finally becoming aware of how interconnected we are and that what happens in one country affects us all. Indigenous people around the globe have always known this and have been valiantly trying to protect what we have left.
Hamilton is located within the Niagara Escarpment – a recognized, world UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which includes a rich biodiversity of rivers, lakes, waterfalls and forests that support numerous species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. It has the oldest forest ecosystem and trees in eastern North America. I have chosen to represent just a few of these species in this artwork for the public to enjoy and learn more about when visiting or living near the Hamilton waterfront.
We must acknowledge, give thanks and protect all our precious, natural resources so that we can ALL continue to live and thrive not only in this beautiful area but on this incredible planet which is our mother. Water is Life. "Nipipimahtisuwin" (Cree).
To learn more about the project, visit: https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/arts-music/public-art/west-harbour-james-street-plaza-public-art-project
Why are projects like this one important and what kind of impact do you hope it has on the community?
As an Indigenous woman, designer, artist, entrepreneur and mother, everything I do is informed by our 7 Generations principle - to do everything in my power to make sure that the next 7 generations and beyond, will still have a beautiful and healthy place to live and thrive. That they will have clean water to drink and air to breathe, that we will still have most of our plant, animal and reptile/fish species here, etc. This project is also important as it provides insight into a different way of approaching public art. There are many levels and layers to this installation. It was created with an important educational element built in - not only for the public who come to view it but to be included in local school curriculums so that our youth can not only learn about the vital importance of our ecosystem, but about Indigenous culture, history, our ways of being and knowing and the layers of meaning behind our art. The other exciting and important part of the All Our Relations public art installation is that the site itself is now going to become a much needed, designated space for the urban Indigenous community to utilize for special ceremonies and gatherings. This was one of my greatest hopes as far as leaving a legacy for the City’s future.
How is your work influenced by your connection with water?
Water is life - nothing can survive here without it which is why I felt the Thunderbird needed to be the central panel of this installation. The Thunderbird brings rain which is vital for our survival. I wanted to show the interconnectedness and necessity of water to all living things and to hopefully bring more attention to the importance of keeping our waters clean - especially Hamilton’s harbour which has been abused by industry for over a century and subjected to the dumping of raw sewage for many years.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
We will be inviting Indigenous water walkers as well as elders, drummers and singers to our Installation Ceremony on Sept. 30th as a way to honour them for the important work they do, but to also make more people aware of their hard work, the ceremonies they are keeping and practicing for the benefit and future of this country and Mother Earth. It is inexcusable that there are still many Indigenous communities in this wealthy country that don’t have drinkable water and I hope this installation will also help to create more awareness and initiatives to change that. Our communities still rely on the fish that swim and spawn in our waters for sustenance and we must protect them at all costs.
I’ll leave you with a famous and frighteningly true, Cree prophecy ~ When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Dan Lewis and Bonny Glambeck
This Breaking Water highlights Bonny Glambeck and Dan Lewis from Clayoquot Action. We delve into the history of the organization and the movement behind it, how to get involved, and how people power can make a significant change in our society.
This Breaking Water highlights Bonny Glambeck and Dan Lewis from Clayoquot Action. We delve into the history of the organization and the movement behind it, how to get involved, and how people power can make a significant change in our society.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
Our names are Bonny Glambeck and Dan Lewis. We run a small but mighty not-for-profit called Clayoquot Action. Our mission is to protect the biocultural diversity of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For the last 30 years we’ve lived on a small island near Tofino BC, and commute to our office in town by kayak. Our daily commute features eagles catching herring, killer whales, and even the odd wolf!
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
Dan grew up in Toronto and lived in the Beaches. He was a water baby, learning to swim at a young age. Weekends were spent at the cottage, camping, and canoeing. Bonny grew up in Alberta, swimming competitively, drinking water and fishing in lakes with her dad and brothers.
Could you tell us about the origins of Clayoquot Action and the movement you were both part of starting in the sound back in 1993?
Clayoquot Action was founded in 2013, with a mandate to address industrial degradation in Clayoquot Sound, specifically mining, oil spills and salmon farms. We were key leaders of the 1993 Clayoquot Summer uprising, now known as the War in the Woods. Between 1988 and 1993, we both worked hard along with a handful of others to build the movement. Clayoquot Summer resulted in an (almost complete) cessation of clearcut logging in the Sound. But 20 years after, there were 20 fish farms, 2 major mine proposals, and a plan to build pipelines for oil export. (Clayoquot Sound had a minor oil spill in 1989 and it was devastating to the environment and to locals who had to witness it and attempt to clean dying birds etc). In 2018 we decided to focus on salmon farming as it is not a potential threat, but an ongoing assault on wild salmon.
Salmon is the keystone species in our society. The health of this species is very much tied to our existence. How can more people, even those not on the west coast, better take action to protect salmon?
Salmon are the backbone of the BC coast, feeding over 100 species, and providing abundance for humans for millennia. Now wild salmon are literally on the brink of extinction, with spawners returning in the tens where they used to return in tens of thousands. Fortunately, we now have a federal government committed to removing salmon farms from BC waters by 2025, and a Minister who has what it takes to lead this. The transition is already well underway, with 44 down, and 65 to go. What we are seeing as the farms are removed is that the juvenile salmon are coming out of the rivers and no longer picking up lethal loads of salmon lice—they’re clean! Not just salmon, but wild herring are also bouncing back and these two fish species sustain entire ecosystems, feeding whales, people, and even ancient cedars! Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray needs to know that Canadians have her back to make the difficult decision ahead of her. She will have her plan ready for release this June, so NOW IS THE TIME to make your voice heard! We’ve made that easy with an online petition which you can sign in less than a minute. Please take a moment to do that today! https://www.clayoquotaction.org/take-action-home/add-your-voice/
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Democracy only works when citizens participate, and there is much more to this than voting—that is just the starting point. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Believe me, that is exactly how the powerholders want you to feel. But it feels great to team up with others and fight back. And here in Tofino, we’ve seen that you can win. When Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht began the fight to save Meares Island 40 years ago, it seemed to be an impossible dream. And when environmentalists expanded the goal of stopping all logging in the whole Sound, people thought we were crazy. But we won—using people power. So many people stepped up. People found ways to contribute their time, passion, talents, and yes, money to win a battle that seemed daunting. Margaret Mead was so right when she said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” So never give up hope; believe in your dreams of a better world, then roll up your sleeves and get to work making that dream a reality. And remember to make new friends and have fun while you’re doing so!
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Rui Pimenta & Layne Hinton
This Breaking Water segment highlights Rui Pimenta and Layne Hinton. They are the co-creators of Public Sweat; a fusion of art and sauna culture. They talk about how to project got started and the power of community they’ve discovered throughout the journey.
This Breaking Water segment highlights Rui Pimenta and Layne Hinton. They are the co-creators of Public Sweat; a fusion of art and sauna culture. They talk about how to project got started and the power of community they’ve discovered throughout the journey.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
We are Rui Pimenta and Layne Hinton, the Artistic Directors and Co-curators for Art Spin.
Since 2009 our organization has been deeply involved in presenting contemporary art, from a diverse range of artistic disciplines, in a manner that emphasizes accessibility to as varied an audience as possible, including people who might not normally visit galleries or museums. For many, these more traditional spaces for experiencing art can feel intimidating and uninviting so it was a guiding priority for Art Spin to present programming that was accessible while still being thoughtful and engaging in its curation. At the heart of what we do is an exploration of what constitutes public art and the ever evolving pursuit to find new and exciting ways to expand and reimagine the meaning of public art.
Could you tell us about how Public Sweat came to be?
Art Spin is perhaps best known for its curated bicycle led art tours, where we lead mass groups, between 300 to 400 people, through specially designed routes to visit all manners of commissioned art programming presented in unique and alternative spaces. Some past examples have included decommissioned schools and churches, industrial spaces, a self-storage facility and even an underground parking garage. We quickly discovered that the physically engaging aspect of this model in the form of cycling allowed our audiences to feel a stronger sense of participation and connection to the artwork we were presenting them with.
In the case of Public Sweat, we were inspired by the equally embodied and participatory act of having a sauna or sweat bathing as we like to call it, serving as a unique context for exposing people to art. In general, one’s interaction with art can all too often privilege the mind and overlook the importance of also involving the body as a way to create new entry points to experience and interpret art. The other important aspect of Public Sweat is how social the act of sweat bathing is, something we see as a vital condition for creating a more stimulating environment for engaging with art.
Public Sweat’s sauna village is home to five sweat bathing structures, each designed and built by a different artist or collective, to function both as an art installation and a communal hot space. The saunas range in size and design, each offering its own unique experience. Guests can look forward to using hot spaces that incorporate features like wood, granite floors, felt and metal exteriors, skylights and digital art. We have an artist-designed greenhouse for resting, hammocks, a campfire, and a cold rinse station to complement hot and cold thermal cycles. We also have an indoor lounge area where visitors can enjoy a variety of artworks related to diverse bathing cultures, listen to live musical performances and relax with friends.
Photos by Priam Thomas
How has the experience been received by the community so far?
We have been deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response to Public Sweat. It feels like we have really touched a nerve with people through this project and that beyond the physical benefits of sweat bathing there’s been a very strong appreciation for the social connection Public Sweat has facilitated. A key goal for this project was that it feel approachable to a broad audience at a time when divisiveness and identity based fragmentation seems to be dominating our cultural landscape. In the time we’ve been open we are incredibly pleased to have witnessed the significant diversity of people who have come together to participate in this project.
We see Public Sweat as a social experiment of sorts where we’ve created a unique setting for bringing together and setting up the possibility for interpersonal connection and communication. While it’s easy to focus on getting a good sweat going, we encourage participants to dive a little deeper into the ideas that artists are presenting through their installations and use this as a talking point with strangers in the saunas.
Where can people learn more about this experience of connecting with water?
Learn all about our Public Sweat project at https://www.publicsweat.com/
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Over the years we have developed a strong interest in our waterfront as a result of having presented various projects around the lakeshore. We have often felt compelled to work in this part of the city in the hopes of helping to overcome a sort of psychological barrier that seems to exist in Toronto between the city and the lake.
Our decision to locate Public Sweat at the Harbourfront Centre was not accidental. There is a deep and meaningful relationship between sweat bathing and bodies of water that can be found all over the world. Even if people are not able to access the harbour for a cold plunge to cool down after the sauna portion of their thermal cycle, there is something about the visual connection to Lake Ontario that has symbolic value, as well as being visually satisfying.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Inda Intiar
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Inda Intiar. Inda tells us about her role at SOI, her connection to water, and how to get involved in protecting the planet!
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Inda Intiar. Inda tells us about her role at SOI, her connection to water, and how to get involved in protecting the planet!
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Inda Intiar, and I’m an outreach and communications coordinator for the SOI Foundation’s Blue Futures Pathways program. This program connects 14-30 year-olds in Canada to learning resources, training, funding, mentorship, and employment in the Sustainable Blue Economy. I’m currently living on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, in a city colonially known as Moncton, New Brunswick.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I was born in Indonesia, the country with the second longest coastline in the world, but spent many years growing up across various countries in western, central and southeast Asia before moving to Canada for university.
My relationship with water hasn’t always been this friendly. Growing up, water was often a source of fear. As a kid in Jakarta, Indonesia, we were warned not to hang around still water in ponds, wells, etc., because it could harbour mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus, which could be deadly. (I did get dengue fever once, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone!)
The rivers could wash you away, I was taught, and the ocean could bring tragedy. I remember watching non-stop news coverage of mass death and destruction from the Tsunami of 2004 that heavily impacted parts of Indonesia and other countries.
But over time, more exposure to rivers, waterfalls and the ocean has given me a new perspective. A lot of this is thanks to the experience I had on the Canada C3 expedition with the SOI Foundation. I’ve since gone swimming in the ocean in Bali, Indonesia, and I’ve even taken dips in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada in the winter!
Why is it important to engage youth in the Sustainable Blue Economy?
Humans rely on water for nutrition, livelihoods, leisure, as well as spiritual and cultural needs. We can’t just recklessly take from the ocean and other water bodies around us, without thinking of the generations after us. We have to make sure economic activities related to the ocean and water are environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. But we need everyone to take part, including young people. I think young people are well-positioned to lead in the shaping of this Sustainable Blue Economy and to take up the various career opportunities within it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved and help protect the planet but doesn’t know where to start?
I would encourage people to look in their communities for opportunities and spaces where they can learn, volunteer, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Perhaps there are organizations, movements or groups in your community that need support that are already doing great work when it comes to protecting the ocean and water bodies around you. For example, if you’re in Moncton, you might want to look at getting involved with the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper.
There are also national and international resources online that you can tap into. For example, you can learn more about the Sustainable Blue Economy in Canada by visiting the Blue Futures Pathways PORT (Portal for Opportunities, Resources and Talent). You can also connect with networks like Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Canada and Sustainable Ocean Alliance.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Something that’s been really important for me is to remember that all water is connected - the rain, the lakes, the streams, the rivers, the ice, the ocean, the water in our bodies. We are connected by water too, even if we live in urban areas far from the coast. It takes all of us contributing our skills and strengths to shape a future with a healthier planet.
and sign up to the Blue Futures Pathways newsletter to keep posted!
Interested in learning more about Inda and SOI?
Stay up-to-date with SOI Foundation’s programming by following us on social media (@studentsonice). You can also connect with me on LinkedIn. Always happy to chat over some ginger tea :)
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Maddi Leblanc
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Maddi Leblanc. Establishing a connection to the water in her early 20s, Maddi describes her life purpose as getting people involved in water recreational sports.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Maddi Leblanc. Establishing a connection to the water in her early 20s, Maddi describes her life purpose as getting people involved in water recreational sports.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Maddi Leblanc, I'm 26 years old, and I am a professional stand up paddleboard athlete from Welland, Ontario. I'm also the Surf School Director for Surf the Greats in Toronto and take outdoor recreationists out on the Great Lakes for sup and surf lessons. I am a recent graduate student from Brock University with a master's degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. I'm also obsessed with coffee and love hiking trails with my dog Luna!
Where did you grow up, and what was your relationship like with the water there?
I grew up in Welland, which is located in the heart of the Niagara region. I'm located in between two Great Lakes, and I am close to the Niagara River as well. The closest body of water to me is the Welland Canal. I didn't establish a strong relationship with this man-made body of water until I was in my early 20s and started training for competitive SUP seriously. When I learned about this amazing resource right in my backyard, I tried to find a way to get on the water almost everyday. Now I am fortunate enough to say that I've built a career around my local waters.
Could you tell us about ‘On Board’ and what this cause means to you?
On Board was a SUP fundraiser I founded in 2014 and have been running annually ever since to raise funds for brain cancer research with the Canadian Cancer Society. I lost two close friends of mine to cancer in 2011 and On Board became a creative outlet for my sadness. On Board built the foundation of my intense relationship with water. On Board taught me how to turn to the water whenever I'm happy, sad, frustrated, and/or confused. I now find that whenever I need to overcome life's challenges, I turn to the water to help process my thoughts and actions. On Board essentially has taught me how to make my way in the world. You can learn more about On Board here.
What advice would you give to women who want to get involved in the surf or SUP community but need help knowing where to start?
We are so fortunate here on the Great Lakes to have so many wonderful resources for getting into the SUP/Surf community. First and foremost, you can come visit us anytime at Surf the Greats in Toronto, where we can hook you up with all of the necessary gear required to have a fun time out in the water! I'd encourage those who are interested to join one of our introductory lessons to surf and sup before jumping in the water on their own. There's lots to know about our Great Lakes such as safety, forecasting, wind, etc. and we are passionate about educating outdoor recreationists so that they can have a fun but safe time out there. You can find more information about our school here.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
I truly believe that my life's purpose is getting people involved in water recreational sports. I love teaching and sharing my love for the water with others, whether that be on a sup, surf, or prone board. My athletic career allows me to travel and connect with others all over the world, but my favourite place to come back to will always be the Great Lakes. I want others to know how special our bodies of freshwater are and how we can further protect these precious lakes. It starts with establishing a sense of place and connection with the water, and we can only do that by getting people on, in, or at least near the water. We can work towards a swimmable, drinkable, future by creating memorable experiences with the water. I won't stop working towards this for the rest of my life because we can always work towards a brighter, cleaner future.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Kaleigh Carrow
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Kaleigh Carrow. Kaleigh is the Brand Manager for Eucalan, a rinse-free laundry soap company that reduces water consumption and provides a longer life for fine garments.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Kaleigh Carrow. Kaleigh is the Brand Manager for Eucalan, a rinse-free laundry soap company that reduces water consumption and provides a longer life for fine garments.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Kaleigh Carrow, and I have recently started with Eucalan as their Brand Manager. We are a family-operated company, which my Grandmother-in-Law started over 30 years ago. My mission as the Brand Manager is to reach new demographics with our delicate wash, as well as to educate our customers on the many ways to use our product.
Could you tell us about your personal connection to water?
I grew up camping and boating along the Thousand Islands. The St. Lawrence River became a family respite each year and forged some of my earliest memories. When you grow up in a place so rooted in natural beauty, you learn from an early age that you need to consciously participate in its preservation.
Why do you think it’s important for brands to take initiative when it comes to protecting our planet?
Brands are faced every day with decisions that will impact our environment, Whether it be through sourcing, production, transportation, messaging, giving back, etc. There are so many ways to make a difference, that there is little excuse not to participate.
How does Eucalan prioritize protecting our planet and natural resources?
Eucalan is a delicate fabric wash that does not require rinsing. Whether using on a few delicate items or avoiding an automatic washing machine altogether, you cut back on 50% of your laundry’s water usage each time.
Eucalan is a well-loved alternative to dry-cleaning, which use toxic air pollutants that have catastrophic consequences on the environment. Dry cleaners’ use of Perchloroethylene can contaminate water supplies and soils, making them toxic for the people, animals, and plants that live there.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
For Eco Wash Tips, check out the Laundry Lessons on our website. You’ll learn simple ways to conserve water, as well as tips about common laundry practices to avoid.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Kiersten McCutcheon
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Kiersten McCutcheon. Kiersten is a young water professional, project manager, and advocate for the Great Lakes.
Photos by Tessa Anderson, Niagara Coastal
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Kiersten McCutcheon. Kiersten is a young water professional, project manager, and advocate for the Great Lakes.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
Hi! My name is Kiersten McCutcheon, and I am a young professional currently working as a project coordinator for Niagara Coastal, a non-profit organization. As the VAST Project Coordinator, I lead the organization’s Visual Assessment Survey Tool (VAST) initiative. The VAST initiative engages community members as citizen scientists to collect data and images that can provide evidence of the changing conditions on the Great Lakes. Citizen scientists capture data such as the amounts of nuisance algae wash-up and locations experiencing shoreline erosion.
This data is publicly available, used to advocate for policy changes, guide coastal management decisions, and identify the need for local actions that communities can take to improve their shorelines. In just over a year, I have developed VAST from an idea to a helpful tool housing more than 3,600 images of shorelines spanning three of the Great Lakes.
Niagara Coastal uses this data to identify stretches of the coast needing restoration. This year, I also became responsible for coordinating the implementation of nature-based coastal restoration projects for the organization.
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
Earlier this year, I was fortunate to be selected as one of 30 youths from across Canada working in the water industry to participate in Waterlution’s Water Innovation Lab in Atlantic Canada. I spent one week on Prince Edward Island at the Canadian Center for Climate Change and Adaptation, collaborating with the other participants to develop innovative solutions to issues such as coastal erosion, flooding, and impacts on species. While this was an incredible time on the island, learning from experts and the other participants, the experience didn’t truly become powerful for me until I saw the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona at the places I had visited a few weeks prior. My experience cannot compare to those whose homes were damaged and livelihoods lost due to the hurricane. However, I am confident now that I am working in the right industry to help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of changing climate conditions, and that is a powerful memory to keep with me.
How did you get involved in the movement for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water and what what you say to encourage others to join the movement?
I was first introduced to the movement for swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water during my time attending Niagara College to complete the Ecosystem Restoration post-graduate program. During the program, I completed a year-long assignment with a local non-profit organization, the Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative. Through the collaborative, I became aware of how vital it is to engage community members in any efforts to protect or restore the Great Lakes.
Whether for drinking, swimming, fishing, or my favourite water activity, kayaking, we all rely on the Great Lakes in some way. As a shared community resource, it will take a community of people passionate about protecting the Great Lakes to ensure they can continue to be used to meet our needs.
Photos by Tessa Anderson, Niagara Coastal
Why do you believe grassroots organizations such as Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative are so important?
Niagara Coastal provides a local forum where landowners, students, representatives from industry and conservation authorities, and various levels of government have equal opportunities to express their concerns and take action. This organizational framework is based on the Collective Impact Model developed by the Tamarack Institute. Small local actions taken by each person or group may seem ineffective initially, but with everyone working collaboratively towards a shared goal, a more significant impact is achieved.
Knowledge sharing is another crucial component of a more grassroots organization like Niagara Coastal. Sharing information with the public about the issues affecting their shoreline, planning workshops and encouraging community input and involvement is vital. On Lake Erie in the Niagara Region, much of the coastline is privately owned, and landowners need to be provided with the information they need to make informed decisions. Landowners and community members also have a wealth of knowledge to share. They are the ones on the coast seeing the impacts of our changing climate, and coastal managers need to use this local knowledge when developing management plans.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Education is not merely information; it provides the tools for individuals to make informed decisions that are best for them and align with their values. I think David Attenborough captures this idea best when he said,
“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
Engaging the community through community-based monitoring initiatives and providing a forum for individuals to share knowledge on the issues they have experienced are necessary first steps for all organizations striving to preserve our swimmable, drinkable, fishable future. Whether to take the next step and become part of the solution through local action is up to you.
Learn more about Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative:
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Jennifer Edgar
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Jennifer Edgar. Jennifer began working as an administrative assistant for Eucalan in 1991. She learned the business from the ground up and is now the Chief Executive Officer helping guide the company through a number of transformations.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Jennifer Edgar. Jennifer began working as an administrative assistant for Eucalan in 1991. She has learned the business from the ground up and is now the Chief Executive Officer helping guide the company through a number of transformations.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
I’m Jennifer Edgar and the CEO of Eucalan. I oversee the operations of Eucalan from our head office in Paris, Ontario.
Could you tell us about your personal connection to water?
We are located along the banks of the Grand River and the Grand River Watershed, which is a vital source of water for our region. In addition, we are surrounded by the Great Lakes. I grew up on well water, which fortunately has always been clean, safe and delicious. Well water is also at risk of running low so we must be cautious in our use and not be frivolous.
Why do you think it’s important for brands to take initiative when it comes to protecting our planet?
How can we expect consumers to help, or do their part if we aren’t willing to give them a product, idea or method to make those changes possible? It starts with all of us, at all levels, to do what we can as a global community.
How does Eucalan prioritize protecting our planet and natural resources?
It has always been about water conservation and longevity in the clothing we wear. That was foremost in Mary Ellen Edgar’s mind when she saw a need for Eucalan. We can use less water and keep our favourite clothing in good shape, all while not contributing in a negative way to the environment. Because Eucalan is so concentrated, we are cutting down on the size of our packaging, the boxes we ship in, our freight costs, and ultimately greenhouse gas emissions.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Use less water. Use less soap. A little goes a long way. If you wore your favourite sweater for an hour to get groceries, don’t wash it if it isn’t dirty. Spill on yourself? Spot-treat it if possible instead of throwing it in the washer.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Chelsea Rochman
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Chelsea Rochman. Based out of the University of Toronto, Chelsea is using the power of knowledge and action to help reduce and understand plastic pollution.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Chelsea Rochman. Based out of the University of Toronto, Chelsea is using the power of knowledge and action to help reduce and understand plastic pollution.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Chelsea Rochman, and I am a co-founder of the U of T Trash Team. Our mission is to increase waste literacy to reduce plastic pollution. Most of our work is local, working to reduce pollution right here in Toronto. Our work includes community cleanups, science-based public programming, school programs with Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and solutions-based research programs. Our research includes our Fighting Floatables project, which is in collaboration with many local stakeholders working to trap trash on our waterfront and inform upstream solutions using the data from our catch. If you’ve seen a Seabin on our waterfront or a student in a U of T Trash Team t-shirt, then you’ve seen this project! I also run the Rochman Lab at the University of Toronto. In the lab, we are a group of about 20 scientists at all career stages working to better understand the sources, transport, and effects of large plastic debris and microplastics. A lot of our work is local, studying plastic pollution in our local watersheds and in Lake Ontario.
What was the inspiration that led you to co-found the U of T Trash Team?
When I was an undergraduate student, I studied abroad in Australia. As part of the program, we visited a small island with a research station. Nobody lived on this island, yet there was trash all over the beach. At the research station, there was also a turtle rehabilitation center for turtles who were sick. Many of them had ingested plastic debris and were suffering. Seeing this issue in a place that seemed mostly remote was striking, and I began to surf the internet to learn more about the issue globally. I was shocked at what I learned about the garbage patches in the middle of the ocean in 2006. This experience led me to a goal to do something about this problem. I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I felt strongly that any solution should be grounded in science. I then went on to do my Ph.D. on the issue. When I finished up, I started to dream about creating an organization that worked on solutions but also had a foot in the scientific world of research. I came to Toronto and began to brainstorm ideas with two friends and colleagues (and co-founders!), and we created the U of T Trash Team. Together, we are a team with experience in community outreach, social science and natural science. We started the team in 2017, and it’s been growing ever since.
In the last 5 years, how have you seen the U of T Trash Team grow and impact the community?
When we started the U of T Trash Team, we were a team of three working as volunteers to grow a community at U of T that did local community outreach, education and cleanup. We started with a group of about 15 students and collaborations from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and PortsToronto. Today, we are a team of 5 full-time staff and >80 volunteers and student interns working together on several projects in collaboration with many stakeholder groups across the city. Our work includes two annual urban cleanups per year, a fully-fledged school program for 5th graders with the TDSB, a collaborative Floatables Strategy on the waterfront with many stakeholders that includes the work of more than 15 trash traps and many summer interns diverting litter and collecting data to inform upstream solutions. In addition, we do other solutions-based research projects to inform upstream solutions and public educational programming around waste. This year we have even added the addition of art to our portfolio of work, including three student-created posters on transit shelters at Queens Quay about the issue of cigarette butts. We have grown so much in the last five years and are so grateful to our collaborators, supporters, and students for allowing this growth to happen!
What steps can Torontionas take to understand the plastic pollution issue and get involved?
Anyone is welcome to join our team or participate in our public programming. People can also take many small steps to help reduce plastic pollution. This includes understanding your waste management system, making purchases that are sustainable, participating in cleanups, using less single-use plastics, educating others about the issue, and spending time in nature to appreciate our Earth.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
I think it is really important that people understand the power of knowledge and action. Everyone in our community has a voice, and we can use it to motivate change. We also can shift our behaviours to those that enable a more swimmable, drinkable, and fishable future. For us, we like to act local and think global. We think a lot of the work on these issues starts at home and can be replicated and scaled up to help solve global issues by working and collaborating with others. For us, we love working in our local community and with many stakeholders and collaborators, including Swim Drink Fish!
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with the Edmonton Hub
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Jacquie Pallard, the Edmonton Community Water Monitoring Coordinator. Jacquie tells us all about the mighty North Saskatchewan River and what it’s like to work alongside it each week.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Jacquie Pallard, the Edmonton Community Water Monitoring Coordinator. Jacquie tells us all about the mighty North Saskatchewan River and what it’s like to work alongside it each week.
Tell us a bit about yourself, what’s your name and your role with SDF?
My name is Jacquie Pallard, and I am Edmonton’s Community Water Monitoring Coordinator at Swim Drink Fish. I’m a fish fanatic, and you’ll often find me jumping into the water anytime I have the chance.
What’s a regular day in the field look like?
I start off almost every field day with a 20 minute bike ride to our first site at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park. I’m easy to spot riding around the river valley with my bin of sampling gear strapped on the back of my bike! After meeting the volunteers for the day at the boat launch, we walk down to the river bank to begin sampling. We start with our environmental surveys, observing the water, wildlife and people, then move on to our water quality sampling. Everyone is usually excited to get into the river at this point, so we often trade off on who collects the sample. After this, we stroll down the river bank or wade through the shallows looking for fish, listening for birds, and picking up any litter along the way until we’ve finished collecting our samples. We then wind our way through the river valley to Terwilleger Park, repeat our methods, and end our day with a swim if the weather is nice!
What is your favourite part about sampling?
The North Saskatchewan River is beautiful and powerful and brings life to our community. I love that I get to spend at least one day every week immersing myself in its river valley, and to me, there is nothing more grounding than being in or around water.
What is the wildest thing you have witnessed or experienced in the field?
Routinely visiting the river in the same spots allowed me to watch nature evolve and change over time. It was amazing to watch the North Saskatchewan go from a calm blue-green expanse shortly after the ice had melted to a powerful muddied river carrying trees in the early spring. To then watch the water slowly retreat and transition back to an inviting blue-green lazy river was absolutely amazing.
Why should someone volunteer, and what's one piece of advice you would give them?
There is no right or wrong reason to volunteer! Whether you are interested in the science of water quality, need work experience, want to become comfortable with open water, or simply meet new people in your community, volunteering can help you meet your goals. I would recommend to everyone to try at least once because you never know what aspect of our work may interest you.
What motivates you to continue to do this work?
What sets this work apart from past scientific jobs that I have done is the direct connection it has with my community. I love that the data we collect and the events we plan have a tangible impact on the people around me and that our work promotes the well-being of everyone, regardless of their background.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your watershed, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Share your experiences with water with your friends, family, and community. The more people we have curious and passionate about our local waters, the more we can do to protect them for everyone to enjoy!
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Tara Mascarenhas
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Tara Mascarenhas. Tara is the Director of Programs at the SOI Foundation. In this segment, Tara tells us all about her work, adventures, and the importance of youth involvement when it comes to the Blue Economy.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Tara Mascarenhas. Tara is the Director of Programs at the SOI Foundation. In this segment, Tara tells us all about her work, adventures, and the importance of youth involvement when it comes to the Blue Economy.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Tara Mascarenhas, and I am now in my 7th year at the SOI (Students on Ice) Foundation, based in Gatineau, Quebec. The SOI Foundation is recognized globally for delivering life-changing polar expeditions - but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our mission. My role as part of the Operational Management Team is to ensure the organization continues to function and evolve. As Director of Programs, I oversee the work of our Alumni Team, which supports over 3,500 alumni from around the world, as well as runs land-based programs focused on youth and community, policy action, delegations, and microgrants. I also manage one of our biggest programs called Blue Futures Pathways, engaging youth across Canada in the opportunities of our freshwater, wastewater, ice and marine industries. A core emphasis is placed on under-represented youth and we provide support through education, training, internships, mentorship and wage subsidies.
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
I think it has to be when I helped plan and then got to join the Canada C3, Coast to Coast to Coast expedition in 2017. On board the MV Polar Prince with a broad range of participants from Indigenous leaders to youth ambassadors, athletes to musicians and members of the public who had applied to be on the vessel, I sailed from Montreal to Baie Comeau QC, and then from Bella Bella to Victoria BC - a total of almost 50 days. We stopped at a variety of places along the way and focused on highlighting the 4 pillars of the expedition - youth engagement, the environment, reconciliation, and diversity and inclusion. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!
Why is it important to engage youth in the Sustainable Blue Economy?
We are leaving youth the legacy of the future. In order to ensure water-based economic activities balance out environmental and social benefits, young people need to be involved in shaping a future that is healthy and sustainable for many, many generations to come. Engaging youth in the Sustainable Blue Economy is a way to prepare and upskill them for jobs of the future, as well as help the industry prepare for gaps in the labour market that will be left by an aging workforce. Opportunities in the Sustainable Blue Economy could offer a career pathway for youth wanting to stay or return to their rural and remote home regions, as well.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in protecting the planet but doesn’t know where to start?
Everyone can play a part. Youth can leverage the many resources, organizations and initiatives that are tackling this issue. We have many on our social media/website that we highlight, and SOI alumni-led organizations like Youth Climate Lab, Dhinjii Zhuh Adventures and others that are working on these issues. Volunteer, help with outreach, organize, collaborate, use art and other means to further your cause.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
I want to add that Canada has the longest Coastline in the world and 20% of the world’s fresh water. We should be leading the way for a Sustainable Blue Economy, which can be one of many ways to reach our global pledges to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future. Water offers so many opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and sustainable living - plus, it is just fun to be around water! If you haven’t done so yet, go explore your nearest body of water and get in touch with SOI’s Blue Futures Pathways team if you’d like to learn more about education and work opportunities in the water sector.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Students On Ice Foundation, visit their website at https://soifoundation.org/en/ or follow them on social media:
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with the Kingston Hub
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Georgia Cross-Bermingham, the Kingston Community Based Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator. Georgia spent the summer on the shoreline of Lake Ontario representing our Kingston Hub. We asked her about her role, why sampling is important, and her motivation.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Georgia Cross-Bermingham, the Kingston Community Based Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator. Georgia spent the summer on the shoreline of Lake Ontario representing our Kingston Hub. We asked her about her role, why sampling is important, and her motivation.
Tell us a bit about yourself, what’s your name and your role with SDF?
Hi! I’m Georgia. I am the Kingston Community Based Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator at Swim Drink Fish (quite the mouthful, I know) and a recent environmental science graduate of Queen’s University.
What’s a regular day in the field look like?
Going out sampling is like going to a party or some sort of reunion – it’s very social. Every day I meet so many new people. This includes all the amazing volunteers who have signed up to come sampling, but also people just passing by on a walk or visiting the beach who are curious to know what I am doing stomping around in the water with a bunch of funny equipment.
Now that I have been sampling in Kingston for about two months, I have some regulars I see when I go out. We always stop and chat about the water quality or whatever we left off talking about the week before. It’s pretty fun stuff.
What is your favourite part about sampling?
I love getting people excited about science! I believe it enriches our lives (just like art, music, and sports), but unfortunately, it has been professionalized to a point which makes it seem inaccessible for far too many people. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. We can all be inquisitive about our surroundings and engage in science recreationally. Volunteering with Swim Drink Fish is just one way you can bring a little science (and fun) into your life, but there are so many more ways. Here are a few:
Ask big questions and come up with a plan to answer them
Download an app like eBird, iNaturalist, or Globe Observer (and contribute to the development of human knowledge)
Ferment stuff in your kitchen!
What is the wildest thing you have witnessed or experienced in the field?
I actually saw a group of around 15 mermaids this morning!
Ok, maybe not real mermaids, but rather a group of open water swimmers who call themselves the mermaids because they swim at the end of Mermaid Lane.
In all seriousness, I see some pretty wild and cool things when I am out in the field. Here are just a few examples:
An osprey catching a fish and carrying it back to its young in the nest
A dog diving 3 ft underwater to retrieve rocks from the bottom and having to be literally dragged from the water when the owner wanted to leave
A lady paddling her dog over from her yacht on a paddle board to let it out to shore for its morning bathroom break
Why should someone volunteer, and what's one piece of advice you would give them?
We need you! With so much change occurring in our environment we need community scientists more than ever. We can no longer rely on traditional, lab coat-wearing, professional scientists to carry out all the monitoring we need to ensure good public health and the health of the planet; there are too many constraints (be it finances, geography, time, or other resources).
By signing up to volunteer, you can gain the tools and knowledge you need to safeguard your own waters.
What motivates you to continue to do this work?
We are all connected to water, whether we acknowledge it in our day-to-day lives or not. We drink it, play in it, eat food that grows in it, and allow it to feed our souls spiritually. Monitoring allows us to understand what is polluting our waters and provides the basis for better environmental management so we can all live in the types of healthy communities which sprout from healthy water bodies.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your watershed, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Find your local water body and go for a swim (check out Swim Guide if you need inspo). Think about how nice (or not nice) the water is.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Julian Ganton
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Julian Ganton. Julian is a water lover, business owner, and Toronto Island local. We asked him about all things TISUP.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Julian Ganton. Julian is a water lover, business owner, and Toronto Island local. We asked him 5 questions about all things TISUP.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about Toronto Island SUP?
My name is Julian Ganton. I grew up on Toronto Island and now live and work here. I run my company Toronto Island SUP (TISUP), which has been in operation since 2014. We at TISUP have a deep connection to the water and feel that it's important to keep our guests, and community members informed on water quality in our area. We also run trash clean-ups with the public and various corporate groups.
How has the water community changed/grown since you initially launched Toronto Island SUP in 2014?
I believe the water quality has been improving and I see more and more water users in the area. We had guests in the hundreds in year 1 using the waterways. This year we have over 9000. With this many water users, we need good data for water quality. Hopefully, we can utilize our influence on these people to care and do more about our home waters. Even if a fraction of these recreational water users become ambassadors for water quality, we have done our job at improving the area where we live and play.
What inspired you to lead the sampling for water quality monitoring at Toronto Island, and why is it so important?
I kept getting asked by community members who swim nearby and by our guests at TISUP, who kayak and SUP. I felt I needed better data, beyond the anecdotal, to give people.
Tell us about what makes Toronto Island so special. What would you say to encourage someone that’s never been there to visit?
Toronto is a world class water sports city. We have such a truly remarkable body of water at our doorstep with swimmable waters. We are a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown where you can enjoy nature in the hidden waterways of the island's inner channels and get the best view of the most stunning skyline in North America. We take pride in the quality of our equipment and easy customer experience.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Be connected to the water. Find some way to enjoy it, whether it's fishing, paddling, swimming or sitting near the lake with a book. The more we interact with our waters, the more reason we have to protect them.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Veronica Stamm
This Breaking Water segment features Veronica Stamm. Veronica joined our Vancouver Monitoring Hub as a Community Scientist in June 2022 and has been a tremendous asset to our team.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Veronica Stamm. Veronica joined our Vancouver Monitoring Hub as a Community Scientist in June 2022 and has been a tremendous asset to our team.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist, a 2-year diploma that involves animal husbandry, laboratory work, radiology, dentistry, pharmacology, nursing and anesthesia, among many other duties we perform in animal hospitals. After 43 years in the profession, I quit my last job to pursue other interests as semi-retired. At the same time, I am working for one veterinarian on-call basis who appreciates and trusts my skills as an anesthesiologist and in pain management.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I was born in Chile and came to Canada when I was 19 years old. Yes. We had a beach house, and I enjoyed walking on the beach, observing the sea life, and of course, swimming.
When we went on holiday to the south- the lake region - it was another way to enjoy different kinds of nature and ecosystems. Actually, it is similar to Vancouver.
What inspired you to volunteer with Swim Drink Fish, and how has the experience been so far?
I found out about Swim Drink Fish at the Spot Prawn Festival during a time when I did not have much work from the on-call job and felt a void in being useful and productive. I knew as I am semi-retired and will eventually retire that I wanted to volunteer for something meaningful. In the back of my head, I thought maybe with the David Suzuki Foundation or World Wildlife Fund as I have always been interested in the environment, animals, and our precious nature. After having an interesting and long conversation with Alicia and Sadie, I left with a positive impression of Swim Drink Fish and its dedication to its goal and objective.
It has been EXCELLENT. Not only the fun we have as a team but mainly discovering what lies under the surface when we retrieve the trash skimming devices. I also appreciate the acceptance of my practical ideas, as well as the detailed work when analyzing/separating the debris. I enjoy the detailed manual work!!
What have you learned during your experience with Swim Drink Fish that has really surprised you?
The amount of debris and the small bits of foam and plastic among the weeds. Also, what surprised me was the sea life that can survive in this polluted environment.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Whenever I am with social groups, I mention Swim Drink Fish and the positive mission statement it stands for. By volunteering, I feel I am contributing to society in a different and more meaningful way. I strongly believe we have to do whatever possible to preserve the preciousness of Vancouver (and our Earth) for future generations.
If you’re interested in becoming a Community Scientist, visit https://www.swimdrinkfish.ca/volunteer
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Lake Superior
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features none other than Lake Superior itself. Taking Twitter by storm, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to do a Q&A with the largest, deepest, and sassiest of the Great Lakes.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features none other than Lake Superior itself. Taking Twitter by storm, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to do a Q&A with the largest, deepest, and sassiest of the Great Lakes.
Hi, Lake Superior, is that how you'd like to be referred to?
Formally, I go by the name Gichigami, given to me by the Ojibwe people. You're welcome to call me this as well, but I usually go by Lake Superior in less formal situations, this is to respect my Indigenous name as I tend to get a little sassy at times and want to uphold that name with the highest amount of honour.
Who is Lake Superior and what makes her so special?
In short, I am the Great Lake of All Time. (All-time? Alltime? I never really know, I didn't do well in my English classes. Est-ce que tu parles français?)
Anywho... Shakespeare famously wrote, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.” My four siblings and I were all born Great, but only I have achieved all three.
From 30-foot waves to glassy calm mornings you can skip a stone across, I am special for my varying and unpredictable personality, my depths, and absolutely immense size. From rocky cliffs to sandy beaches, three quadrillion gallons of water, and an attitude like no other, I am simply unmatched.
Tell us what makes Lake Superior the "self-proclaimed" Greatest Lake Of All Time (G.L.O.A.T.).
I would ask that you remove "self-proclaimed" from the question.
To begin, not only would my volume fill all of the other Great Lakes (plus a couple extra Eries), they're literally filled with my old water. Not only late, but my water alone could cover the entirety of North and South America in a foot of water. By surface area, I'm the largest freshwater lake in the world. I once read it would take a single Zamboni machine 700 years to resurface the entirety of my frozen surface.
In the words of Muhammad Ali, "It's hard to be humble when you're as Great as I am."
Which Great Lake do you feel most intimidated by? Explain your ongoing disdain for Lake Erie.
To say I'm intimidated by any of my siblings is laughable. Like, really, really laughable. But they shore do annoy the agates out of me. Let's take Lake Michigan for example, all the time I hear people say it's the best Great Lake, which isn't even possible. All the time I hear people getting confused between their favourite Great Lake and the best Great Lake. Let's not confuse the two, one is based in fact (me), one is based on opinion. And it's only because of all those city people down there.
Erie? Uff da. Where do we begin? I just wish she would listen. Quit blooming! Quit acting so shallow! Quit catching on fire! Okay, I think she learned that one, I hope. She's just immature. Sure, the fishing is good, but that's so easy for such a warm body of water where the water hardly gets deeper than 200 feet.
Still waiting on that $20 (CAD) Huron owes me for the gift we sent Ontario for the holidays.
How do platforms such as Lake Superior’s Twitter account work to increase awareness when it comes to protecting our Great Lakes?
Now that's a Great question! Sure, I'm a little sassy. Do I have a Superiority complex? Yeah, but wouldn't you, if you were me?
Humour, snark, silly puns, the humans of the world really enjoy it. I love that this has given me a tremendous platform to share the message of Great Lakes science, conservation across my watershed, the beauty I possess, and to create a message of the importance of clean and healthy water for all. Some of my proudest moments aren't my viral tweets, but when a Great Lakes scientist DMs me and says that my retweet was the most love their tweets have ever received. I love to elevate their research.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your watershed, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
By celebrating my beauty (okay, fine, my siblings too), I hope we can create an awareness of how special we are, how great we are. In the end, lakes can't vote, fish can't clean up oil spills, and eagles can't pick up beach trash. The responsibility is fully on humans to look after myself and my siblings, to keep us fresh, to keep us cold, to keep us clean, to keep us Great.
You don't have to be a limnologist or water safety expert to help. TLC once said, "Please stick [up for] to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to." I need humans who will speak up for me and pick up after themselves. That's something everyone can start doing today.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I'm nothing short of an ambitious lake, and I am already working on my 2023 goals. I have begun a Patreon account to support more Superior content because even lakes have data plans to pay for. The ultimate goal, for now, is to attend the 66th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research, followed by a "Tweet Around The Lake" visiting all of my communities in a 2,100 km photographic journey around my shoreline. People can learn more at www.patreon.com/lakesuperior.
As always, stay hydrated my friends.
🌊
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Rochelle Byrne
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Rochelle Byrne. Rochelle and A Greener Future have led the effort to reduce the impacts of litter on the environment, economy, and people since 2014. We asked her about her personal connection to the water and how to get involved in the sometimes daunting task of helping protect our planet.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Rochelle Byrne. Rochelle and A Greener Future have led the effort to reduce the impacts of litter on the environment, economy, and people since 2014. We asked her about her personal connection to the water and how to get involved in the sometimes daunting task of helping protect our planet.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work and what you do?
I'm Rochelle Byrne, and I'm the Founder and Executive Director of A Greener Future, an environmental nonprofit I started back in 2014. Our focus is litter cleanup and waste reduction, and we are dedicated to leading the effort in sustaining a clean and healthy environment for all. By bringing together a community of environmental stewards, we facilitate programs that clean up and prevent future waste from ending up in the environment. As education is at the centre of what we do, we inspire change through a variety of learning opportunities. Our programs raise awareness about plastic pollution, and detailed data collection sheds light on the most common items that are found during litter cleanups. Our volunteers have assisted in picking up over 4 million pieces of litter to date.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I grew up in Bobcaygeon, Ontario which is an area that is surrounded by water. My earliest memories include fishing with my Dad and going to the beach with my Mom. Because I grew up in this environment, I definitely took it for granted. It wasn't until I moved away from the area that I realized how lucky I was to live in such a beautiful spot. Now I find myself taking any opportunity I can to get back to the water, and I'm very lucky that A Greener Future gives me plenty of opportunities to do so.
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
The most powerful memory I have of being on the water is when I rode a stand-up paddleboard 430 km across Lake Ontario in 2020. The pandemic brought plenty of shutdowns including the cancellation of all of A Greener Future's in-person events. I didn't want to waste a summer waiting around for the restrictions to change, so I decided to paddle from Kingston to Niagara-on-the-Lake to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Seeing the lake from a new perspective and spending so much time on the water in a variety of conditions helped foster a bond with the Lake that I could never imagine. Every day I saw different species, the diversity of shoreline ecosystems, and the power of the water; I also saw many things that were concerning. If you're interested in seeing my journey, it was turned into a documentary called Shoreline: The Paddle Against Plastic, and it can be found for free here: https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/shoreline
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in protecting the planet but doesn’t know where to start?
Start small. I started with picking up litter and over the years I have learned so much about the environment through this activity. I got curious about where waste goes, how recycling works, whether compostable materials are actually compostable, and what I could do to reduce my personal waste. One of the first things I did was ditch single-use plastic bottles. It's the inspiring people I've met along the way that keep me motivated. I love the conversations, the constant innovation, and the opportunity to keep learning and doing better. Every year A Greener Future hosts hundreds of litter cleanups in Southern Ontario; we would love to have you join us!
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
The environmental movement can be very doom and gloom, and although it is a very pressing issue, hearing all this scary information can be paralyzing. I think the best thing to ensure a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future is to surround yourself with community members who also care about environmental issues. We can accomplish so much more together.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Robin Pacquing
This Breaking Water segment features Robin Pacquing. We asked her five questions regarding her personal connection to water, the female community of water women, and advice for women that want to get involved in the surf or SUP community.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Robin Pacquing. We asked her five questions regarding her personal connection to water, the female community of water women, and advice for women that want to get involved in the surf or SUP community.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
Hi, I'm Robin! I am proud to say that I have a multi-faceted career. On the professional side of things, I'm a REALTOR® with Zoocasa Realty. This in itself has allowed me to self-direct a lot of my workflow in assisting clients with all kinds of real estate needs. On the other side of things, I'm also the Co-Founder of Lake Surfistas. Myself and the other LS organizers are passionate community builders and are huge advocates for the representation of the women in our community. As for my side gig, I'm a certified Paddle Canada Advanced SUP Instructor, and I teach flat water and surf SUP techniques and wave forecasting through my other company Taga Lawa.
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
In September 2016, a few days after my Dad's Light left Us, I went for a surf at Lake Surfistas Beach Day at Pleasant Beach. My heart and my entire soul were heavy, shattered, and broken. After my first wave, I smiled and beamed for a few very good moments. It was the first time I had been able to feel anything but pain and grief after such a traumatic loss. I absolutely believe that the water heals us, and my Dad believed this too.
Could you explain how the female community of water women leads to further education and preservation of the Great Lakes?
I believe that the more people in general who use our Great Lakes for recreation and retreat will ultimately observe the Great Lakes' special and important nuances. Further physical connection with the water will create a desire to protect this space from harm, pollution, and hopefully bad policies. As women, mamas, and parents, this understanding and connection will become a teachable aspect to the younger generation, our friends and families, and our communities at large.
What advice would you give to women who want to get involved in the surf or SUP community but don't know where to start?
Don't be afraid to ask questions about the gear and understand that a SUP purchase is an investment of many kinds. Do your best to understand the body of water you'll be paddling or surfing in. Take the time to sit quietly and observe the shoreline. Take a class with any of the amazing instructors in the community. Join the Lake Surfistas Discussion Page and know that the entire community welcomes you and wants you to have fun and be safe! SUP is so often portrayed as super easy and relaxing (and to an extent, it totally is!), but being on the water isn't enough, in my opinion. There needs to be a high level of respect for the water, and that comes from within.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Whether you're a year-round surfer, a weekend SUPer, or a casual beach-goer, our Great Lakes are the most important asset we have. In this world where clean water scarcity, drought, and climate change are very real and tangible catastrophes, we truly have it good here in the world of water in the GTA. I freaking hope this message is seen everywhere so we can all work together to keep it clean for ourselves, our living elders, and future generations to come.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
Breaking Water with Tasha Romeyn
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Tasha Romeyn, one of three Project Co-Leads on the Year of the Salish Sea initiative.
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Tasha Romeyn, one of three Project Co-Leads on the Year of the Salish Sea initiative.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about the Year of the Salish Sea initiative?
Hi! My name is Tasha and I am one of three Project Co-Leads on the Year of the Salish Sea initiative. The Year of the Salish Sea is an endorsed UN Ocean Decade activity running from June 8, 2022-June 7, 2023 and it's aimed at increasing public engagement with the Salish Sea, fostering greater collaboration between experts, and pushing for change related to ocean management.
How did the Year of the Salish Sea initiative come to be?
The initiative started as a final project for SFU’s Semester by the Salish Sea program in Fall 2021. After learning about the many issues facing the Salish Sea and its stewards, my cohort worked together with stakeholders and experts to brainstorm the impacts a Year of the Salish Sea could have on their work. After the program ended, Emma, Simran, and I continued to lead the project and make it a reality.
What inspired you to be a part of the Year of the Salish Sea initiative?
I think the aspect of community and collective action has inspired me. There is so much work being done to protect our ocean and it is both comforting and empowering to know that many before me have felt the same way about the Salish Sea as I do now and that I have the chance to support some of this ongoing work with our initiative.
What do you think was the most valuable thing you learned from your Semester by the Salish Sea?
The Semester by the Salish Sea program taught me how complex and interconnected ocean and climate related problems truly are, and that working out of silos may be the best way to tackle these issues. And, that dialogue is a simple yet very effective tool for working together and solving problems.
Where did you grow up? Did you have a relationship with water there?
I grew up in Vancouver on the ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ Nations near the Fraser River, known to the Coast Salish Peoples as Sto:lo. I have always enjoyed rivers and the ocean and I can’t imagine not living near a body of water, but my favourite way to enjoy water has actually always been being outside in the rain!
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
A powerful water-related memory for me was really realizing that there is no new water! I find it very magical that water is shared across time, and I like to wonder where it’s been and if my ancestors in different parts of the world ever interacted with the same water as me.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in protecting the planet but doesn’t know where to start?
Spend some time outdoors, look into whatever it is you’re interested in, and talk about it with a friend! Year of the Salish Sea has some resources available. And remember that you do not have to be an expert to get involved and you do not need to be able to commit a lot of your time - there is a place for everyone!
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Unswimmable, undrinkable, and unfishable water affects all of us but it does not do so in the same ways. Keep learning about others’ experiences and pay attention to whose voices are not being heard enough.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.