Queen’s researchers and students partnered with RBC to help inspire the next generation of children to become water stewards in their homes and communities.

Grade 4 students from across Kingston gathered at Lake Ontario Park for the second annual Great Lake Water Festival to soak up knowledge about water conservation, protection and science through hands-on activities. 

“This event allows us to bring together an exciting group of partners and students from across the region, to learn about water issues important to all of us,” said Dr. Geof Hall, Associate Director of the Water Research Centre at Queen’s.

Running the activity centres alongside Queen’s and RBC were volunteers from Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Katarokwi Indigenous Grandmothers Council, KFL&A Public Health, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ontario Provincial Police, Public Health Ontario, Sustainable Kingston, Kingston Fire and Rescue, Frontenac Paramedic Service, the City of Kingston, and Utilities Kingston.

In 2011, RBC granted $2 million to Queen’s University to establish the RBC/Queen’s Water Initiative. The focus of this initiative is to support and expand research, training, and outreach activities focused on sustainable watershed science, education and protection. 

“The RBC/Queen’s Water Initiative encourages a focus on the importance of one of our greatest resources: the watersheds and what we can do to keep them healthy,” said Principal Daniel Woolf. “For hundreds of our students, this initiative has already provided hands-on experiences critical to their education.”

The June 2 event date coincided with RBC’s National Blue Water Day. As a part of their own celebration, RBC provided approximately 20 volunteers to assist with the activities.