A catalyst for cross-sector collaboration on water
Canadian Water Network (CWN) is a national nonprofit that empowers communities and sectors to tackle Canada’s most urgent water challenges.
We bring people together to solve complex water issues — creating space for candid dialogue, shared insight, and strategic decision making. CWN turns complexity into clarity, helping leaders move forward with confidence.
5,000
Network Participants
12
Communities of Practice
50+
Knowledge Products
A catalyst for cross-sector collaboration on water
Canadian Water Network (CWN) is a national nonprofit that empowers communities and sectors to tackle Canada’s most urgent water challenges.
We bring people together to solve complex water issues — creating space for candid dialogue, shared insight, and strategic decision making. CWN turns complexity into clarity, helping leaders move forward with confidence.
5,000
Network Participants
12
Communities of Practice
50+
Knowledge Products
As Canada’s trusted convenor on water, CWN brings together voices across sectors — including government, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia — to collaborate on shared challenges. Together, we drive smarter decisions, more resilient systems, and real-world impact.
We don’t just connect people; we turn knowledge into action. CWN helps decision-makers navigate challenges and emerging risks to co-create adaptable solutions that are equitable, sustainable and future-ready.
Rooted in our values of inclusion, empowerment, intentional leadership and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we catalyze collaboration into actionable solutions with lasting impact.
Our Focus Areas
We work at the intersections where water challenges are deeply complex, requiring the latest scientific evidence, strategic leadership, and cross-sector collaboration to move forward.
CWN’s Unique Approach
At CWN, we don’t just respond to water challenges — we anticipate them. Our approach is grounded in systems thinking, deep listening, strategic collaboration, and the synthesis of insights that inform smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.
Anticipate and prepare
We identify emerging water challenges, gaps, and priorities through deep systems thinking to prepare practitioners and decision makers to be ready for what’s on the horizon.
Convene and collaborate
We bring the right people together — across sectors and systems — to build trust, align goals, and foster meaningful collaboration.
Capture and share insights
We synthesize expert knowledge, Indigenous ways of knowing, and lived experience — to pinpoint and communicate what’s needed to move from insight to action.
Catalyze action
We provide clarity to decision-makers that helps them move forward with confidence to accelerate solutions — from concept to execution.
