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What is this project about?
The Water We Want (TWWW) asks elementary-age children a simple question – “what is the water you want?” Students can answer this question in a variety of ways: paintings, drawings, poems, stories, and song. The intention is to create a discourse surrounding the future of water, stewardship, and conservation, and instill an appreciation for water as a relationship and not simply a resource.
A pre-pilot test of the program was undertaken by the CMW in Spring 2025 with three schools and 80 students with resounding success, 2026 will see the program voluntarily implemented across the Simcoe County District School Board with a potential participation rate of 88 schools and up to 5000 students. The program entails information sessions, instructional and communication campaigns, and the delivery of a digital ‘classroom kit’ which consists of teaching materials, instructions, a video, and resources for students and educators. A digital access through WeTransfer will allow teachers to send student work to the CMW for curation and evaluation.
Each of the submissions will be curated by CMW staff and volunteers and chosen submissions sent to the World Water Museum Network (WAMU-Net) annual global competition, which features entries from 120 museums in 44 countries.
Why is this project important to the community?
Understanding and working with water in the modern world is a complex undertaking requiring the collaboration of many professional disciplines – earth sciences, culture, legal and political perspectives and dimensions. Our project promotes water awareness education through existing institutions (elementary schools), advocate for scientific research and engage young people in active water related activities. In Ontario over the last decade the rapid growth of local, regional and national organizations dedicated to the issues surrounding water further underscores the demand pressure.
TWWW aims at engaging young people as narrators of water heritage and storytellers of more sustainable water futures, it asks students to explore the crucial importance of water heritage, both natural and cultural, tangible and intangible, in creative ways. Its aim is to promote dialogue with teachers, parents, and the broader community, empower youth to be active participants in water stewardship, and instill a greater appreciation for water as a relationship not just a resource. Participation of students in the wider WAMU-Net competition adds Canada’s – and specifically Simcoe County's - voice to a global chorus. It is the intention of the CMW to build on the success of this project with a national campaign in 2027 and beyond.
Target Completion Date
June 30, 2026
Location
333 King Street
Midland
L4R 3M7