One Water Gathering in Goderich
Lake Huron Forever hosts One Water Gathering in Goderich: Event celebrates cross-border collaboration and action toward a sustainable Lake Huron
Lake Huron Forever hosted a One Water Gathering event on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Goderich, Ontario. The port town is located along Lake Huron's southeast shore.
The event brought together Canadian and U.S. partners, foundations, municipalities, conservation authorities, and environmental groups.
The event aimed to strengthen collaboration and inspire water-related solutions across the Lake Huron basin.
This international event offered a full day of programming, learning, and connection focused on protecting water quality and supporting healthy, sustainable communities on both sides of Lake Huron.
The day included presentations, networking, and a shoreline walking tour.
Celebrating a historic pledge
A highlight of the event was the celebration of the Town of Goderich becoming the first Canadian municipality to sign the Lake Huron Forever Pledge. This pledge is a commitment to act towards a healthier Lake Huron ecosystem.
The pledge ceremony featured remarks from Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet and Deputy Mayor Leah Noel.
The ceremony also recognized the town’s sister-city relationship with Bay City, Michigan. This relationship inspired Goderich to join this growing cross-border movement for Great Lakes stewardship.
Walking tour: exploring water-related innovation
Participants took part in an engaging walking tour along the Goderich shoreline, where local experts showcased innovative approaches to protecting Lake Huron.
Erin Gouthro, of Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), opened the tour by discussing how healthy forests build resilient ecosystems.
Daniela Klicper, also of Maitland Conservation, followed with an overview of the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Adaptation Strategy and the Goderich Sediment Restoration Complex, a pilot project using nature-based solutions to strengthen the shoreline.
Meredith Watson, from the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, shared findings from more than a decade of plastic pollution data and highlighted the success of the annual Goderich Beach Clean-up.
The tour concluded at the Town of Goderich Water Treatment Plant, where staff outlined recent system upgrades and climate adaptation measures that helps to safeguard local drinking water.
Connecting people, nature, and health
The afternoon sessions inspired reflection on how closely our well-being is tied to the natural world.
Dr. Justina Ray shared insights on the One Health approach. She reminded participants the health of our communities depends on the health of our ecosystems.
Attendees also learned about The Natural Edge, an initiative helping communities across Canada restore their shorelines and build resilience through planting of native species. Locally, this program has already taken root through a partnership with the Aki Guardians at Bagida’waad Alliance.
A Lunch-and-Learn showcased local organizations working for a sustainable Lake Huron.
The day wrapped up with a social at the Park House restaurant in Goderich.
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre described this as " ... a fitting end to a day centered on collaboration, connection, and care for the lake we share."
The One Water Gathering was made possible through the support of Lake Huron Forever partners and sponsors, including: Lake Huron Coastal Centre; Sunset Community Foundation; Community Foundation Grey Bruce; The Sustainability Project; Huron Pines; The Conservation Fund; Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan; Maitland Valley Conservation Authority; Huron Pines; Town of Goderich; Culbert's Bakery, Dreamz Inn; and Cowbell Brewing Co.
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre would like to extend special thanks to Huron County Museum for serving as an excellent venue for the day’s programming.
To learn more about Lake Huron Forever, events and learning opportunities, visit the Lake Huron Forever website and sign up for email updates.