Kingston: A Water Literate City
Richardson Beach in Kingston, ON. Photo via Swim Drink Fish.
What does it mean to be Water Literate?
To be literate is to have knowledge or experience in a particular area. One can be literate in various areas, such as financially literate, digitally literate, or even water literate.
Water literacy means having knowledge and experience in a variety of water related topics. A water-literate person easily connects and shares their knowledge and passion for water with others. They know where their water comes from, what goes into their water, and what actions to take to advocate for their local waterbody. Perhaps they know what watershed they live in. Maybe they have a watermark that sparked their learning of water literacy concepts, or they check the Swim Guide regularly before heading out to the beach.
The City Setting the Standard for Water Literacy
Kingston is a water literate city, full of water literate people! As a vibrant, historic city nestled on the northeast shores of Lake Ontario and at the beginning of the St. Lawrence river, it is no surprise the people of Kingston are deeply connected to the waterfront.
How exactly is Kingston a water literate city?
Three ways: connection, awareness and innovation.
Connection
Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Many small businesses and nonprofits in the city further connect Kingstonians to their local waterbody. The Great Lakes Museum and The Pump House Museum offer fascinating exhibits, allowing visitors to go back in time and learn about Kingston’s historic waterfront. Neptune and Salacia Diving provides scuba diving training and tours, giving divers a first-hand look into the depths of Lake Ontario. Ahoy Rentals offers kayaks, stand-up paddle boarding, and sailing rentals, which are ways to interact with the water adventurously. Kingston’s waterfront is observable from a new vantage point on a 1000 island boat cruise if you'd prefer to appreciate the water from a distance. And for those who like their water with an extra kick, Something in the Water brewery crafts great local brews and supports water conservation efforts by donating a portion of their profits to Swim Drink Fish.
Recreational Water Access
On a hot summer’s day, Kingston’s waterfront buzzes with people enjoying and cooling off at the water’s edge. The City of Kingston has implemented infrastructure that makes accessing the water a no-brainer. The iconic Gord Edgar Downie Pier, the tranquil Richardson’s Beach, or the city’s largest urban waterfront park, Lake Ontario Park, are a testament to “if you build it, they will come.” The developments at these locations encourage Kingstonians to connect with their waterfront, developing a more water-literate community.
People swimming at Gord Edgar Downie Pier in Kingston, ON. Photo via Swim Drink Fish.
2. Awareness
Real-time monitoring
Kingston is one of the few Canadian cities that provides a real-time monitoring map of sewer overflows as well as a historical log of sewer overflows to the public. Providing sewer overflow events is important as there is an added risk of bacterial contamination from water after heavy rainfall. Utilities Kingston and the City of Kingston have set a 20-year target to separate 100 percent of the combined sewers in the municipal sewer system by 2043. By providing this data and general information about sewer overflows, community members can build their water literacy skills and make informed decisions when it comes to recreating in or near the water.
Swim Guide
With a vast waterfront, Kingston has a wide variety of beaches and swimming spots posted on Swim Guide. The Kingston Public Health Unit monitors the water quality during the summer. This information is then posted on their website as well as on Swim Guide. Making water quality information accessible to the public encourages community members to think critically when deciding where to swim, thus developing water literacy skills.
3. Innovation
Electric Boats
Kingston seeks innovative ways to enhance people's waterfront experience in a sustainable way. The City of Kingston recently partnered with Voltari, an electric boat company set to launch its line of fully electric performance boats. These boats produce zero emissions and zero noise. Canada’s first EV-boat charging station can be found at Confederation Basin Marina across from the historic City Hall.
Voltari marine EV charger at Confederation Basin Marina in Kingston, ON. Photo from John Lawless via Global News
Trash Trapping Technology
Trash trapping technology is also found in other Kingston marinas and harbours. In 2022, the City installed SeaBins to collect and trap plastics, microplastics,and other floatable debris from local waters. The collected plastics can then be characterized by Marina staff and volunteers. This technology is not only a step in the right direction to reduce litter and debris in the water, but by involving community members in the characterization process, they build their water literacy skills.
Rain Barrels
Indeed, rain barrels are not a new innovative technology, but the City of Kingston encouraging households to use them makes them more accessible through a delivery service. Rain barrels reduce reliance on treated water as well as cut household water bills. Not to mention, rainwater is also untreated, containing minerals beneficial to plants. The use of rain barrels encourages households to consider their water usage and where it comes from, promoting water literacy skills.
Building water literacy skills in your community
Other cities should look at Kingston as a blueprint for building a more water-literate community. As a community member, what can you do to develop your water literacy skills and encourage your community to do the same? Here are some actions you can take!
Use Swim Guide.
Find what watershed you live in here.
Support local businesses and organizations that are a part of the water movement.
Attend and participate in water-focused events and programs such as Dive Against Debris and the Watermark Project.
Pay attention to water quality postings and signage from your local public health authority.
Reach out to your local political representatives to share how water is important to you in your city. Residents of Toronto can join the fight for the establishment of Real Time Monitoring of CSOs here.
