Celebrating & Connecting at One Water Gathering 2025
Partners of the Lake Huron Forever (LHF) initiative assembled in Goderich, Ontario Oct. 3 to tour and celebrate ongoing efforts to promote water quality and sustainability in Canada’s first LHF community.
One Water Gathering brought together 35 partners from Canada and Michigan to explore the coastal town where work is being done to improve forest health, tackle pollution and build a more sustainable future for Lake Huron. Site visits included a tour of the community’s water treatment plant, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority’s forest health assessment and sediment bypass projects, and the Goderich beachfront where Lake Huron Coastal Centre is addressing microplastics pollution.
“There are clear parallels between the Ontario and Michigan coasts of Lake Huron," said Maddie Khuri, Community Educator for Huron Pines, the conservation nonprofit leading the initiative on the Michigan side. “Goderich is dealing with many of the same challenges as we are — shoreline erosion, stormwater runoff, climate change, pollution, sediment and the threat of invasive species. I think these shared problems represent the importance of the initiative when it comes to sharing our resources & expertise to address them.”
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—a commitment to act towards a healthier Lake Huron ecosystem. The pledge ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Trevor Bazinet and Deputy Mayor Leah Noel, with recognition to the town’s sister-city relationship with Bay City, Michigan, which inspired Goderich to join this growing cross-border movement for Great Lakes stewardship. A lecture by Dr. Justina Ray tied human health to that of the surrounding natural environment.
Dr. Justina Ray, President & Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
“That was a message which coursed through the entire day, from discussions on forest health, to plastic pollution along the beaches, to the importance of working with nature rather than against it to restore shorelines,” said Stuart Reid, Executive Director of Community Foundation Grey Bruce. “A healthy Lake Huron is essential for a healthy community.”
Longtime LHF partners enjoyed an opportunity that day to reconnect in person, meet newcomers to the initiative and celebrate the past year of success in advancing its mission.
“Goderich is one of the prettiest towns in Canada and was in its full glory. Hospitality and graceful surroundings made Goderich the most welcoming host for our gathering.”
“The Canadian side of Lake Huron shares the same sense of stewardship we see in Michigan, deeply rooted in community and place,” said Patrick Heraghty, Executive Director for Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. “What stood out in Goderich was how visibly that shared commitment is woven into local identity and community pride. The celebration of Goderich becoming the first Canadian city to take the Lake Huron Forever Pledge was a historic step forward and a testament to the momentum that grows when communities lead.”
Special thanks to the sponsors of One Water Gathering, Bagida’waad Alliance, Town of Goderich, Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, Huron Pines, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, Sunset Community Foundation, The Conservation Fund - Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, The Sustainability Project, Lake Huron Coastal Centre and Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
Photo gallery: One Water Gathering 2025
