CWN’s strategic plan for 2022-2027 is in the process of being reviewed and revised. The existing information is still accessible, but it may not reflect the latest developments and priorities of CWN. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on updating our strategic plan.
Future challenges are already here
Communities across Canada face an uncertain and rapidly changing future, including major challenges linked to global pandemics, climate change, shifting population distribution, and declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health.
CWN developed its strategic plan for 2022-2027, Building Communities of the Future Through Water, to support communities in meeting these challenges by collaborating around water.
Setting a near-term course toward a better future
“Water is a powerful convener and opportunity for collective action. We are all affected by water, we all affect water, and we can all relate to water.” — Carl Yates, CWN Board Chair
CWN’s purpose is to get communities to the future they want through water. Our conversations with water sector stakeholders and key allies in other sectors reveal that the shared future communities want is one that is resilient, equitable and healthy.
Specifically, communities throughout Canada are expressing a desire to proactively build toward a better future that is:
Resilient
Equitable
Healthy
Strategic goals
CWN’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 uses this desired future to frame CWN initiatives as we work to enable Canada’s water leaders to be at the heart of forging pathways for community success.
CWN has identified three strategic goals that articulate what success looks like over the next five years:
Strategic Goal #1 – Water organizations as anchors
Water organizations are recognized as anchors for community building, leading to more effective prioritization of actions and investments.
Strategic Goal #2 – Engagement of allies
Water leaders are increasingly engaged with key allies across and beyond the water sector to work toward resilience, equity and health.
Strategic Goal #3 – Connecting around co-benefits and risk
Co-benefits and shared risks are core to connecting sectors for impact, informing actions and investments that involve water.
Implementing the strategy
Over the next five years, CWN will identify opportunities and implement activities through annual plans that support the achievement of the three strategic goals. As communities continue to face uncertainty and change, CWN’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 sets a near-term course for our work toward a resilient, equitable and healthy future.