The Lake Huron Coastal Centre's Lake Huron Forever initiative hosted a successful One Water Gathering event on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Goderich, Ontario, bringing together Canadian and U.S. partners to strengthen cross-border collaboration for the shared ecosystem. The event gathered foundations, municipalities, conservation authorities, and environmental groups to inspire water-related solutions across the Lake […]
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre's Lake Huron Forever initiative hosted a successful One Water Gathering event on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Goderich, Ontario, bringing together Canadian and U.S. partners to strengthen cross-border collaboration for the shared ecosystem. The event gathered foundations, municipalities, conservation authorities, and environmental groups to inspire water-related solutions across the Lake Huron basin. The full-day international event focused on protecting water quality and supporting healthy, sustainable communities on both sides of the lake, featuring presentations, networking, and a shoreline walking tour.
A highlight of the gathering was the celebration of the Town of Goderich becoming the first Canadian municipality to sign the Lake Huron Forever Pledge, a formal commitment to act toward a healthier Lake Huron ecosystem. The pledge ceremony included remarks from Mayor Trevor Bazinet and Deputy Mayor Leah Noel, with the town's sister-city relationship with Bay City, Michigan, noted as an inspiration for Goderich to join the growing cross-border movement for Great Lakes stewardship.
Participants took part in a walking tour along the Goderich shoreline, where local experts showcased innovative approaches to protecting Lake Huron. Erin Gouthro of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) began the tour by discussing how healthy forests build resilient ecosystems, and Daniela Klicper (MVCA) followed with an overview of the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Adaptation Strategy and the Goderich Sediment Restoration Complex, a pilot project using nature-based solutions to strengthen the shoreline. Meredith Watson from the Lake Huron Coastal Centre shared data on plastic pollution and highlighted the success of the annual Goderich beach clean-up. The tour concluded at the Town of Goderich Water Treatment Plant, where staff outlined recent system upgrades and climate adaptation measures to safeguard local drinking water.
The afternoon sessions inspired reflection on the close tie between human wellbeing and the natural world, with Dr. Justina Ray sharing insights on the One Health approach, emphasizing that the health of communities depends on the health of their ecosystems. Attendees also learned about The Natural Edge, an initiative helping communities across Canada restore their shorelines and build resilience through native planting; locally, this program is already in effect through a partnership with the Aki Guardians at Bagida’waad Alliance. The day wrapped up with a friendly social at the Park House, following a lively Lunch and Learn session that showcased local organizations working for a sustainable Lake Huron. The event was made possible through the support of Lake Huron Forever partners and sponsors, including the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, Sunset Community Foundation, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. The Huron County Museum served as the venue for the day's programming.
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