Our History
Canadian Water Network was established in 2001, in response to Walkerton’s deadly drinking water crisis. Over the next 16 years, the organization invested more than $100 million in water research as a Network of Centres of Excellence. Today, the organization is an independent nonprofit that serves decision-makers across the water sector.
Our Network
We draw upon an extensive network of leading ‘thinkers & doers’ from government, academia, NGOs and industry to articulate key water challenges, share knowledge and practice insights, discuss effective strategies and build partnerships. We also connect with and support emerging water leaders through our Student and Young Professional program.
A National Leader
Through initiatives like our expert panel review of contaminants in wastewater, state-of-the-knowledge reports, Canadian Municipal Water Consortium, annual Blue Cities conference and collaborative projects with stakeholders, we are shaping important national narratives on some of Canada’s most complex water management challenges.
Land Acknowledgement
Canadian Water Network (CWN) respectfully recognizes and acknowledges the deep connection that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada have with the land that all Canadians call home. We also honour and recognize the significance of the treaties that establish the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers on this land.
Our office is located in Waterloo, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. More specifically, our office is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that extends six miles on each side of the Grand River.
We are grateful for the privilege to work and live on this land.