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Waves of change

Message from the Vice-President, Research & Innovation

Despite its resilience, water and the many ecosystems that exist within it can be disrupted or damaged. Our actions as human beings threaten the steady supply of clean water and, by extension, our survival.

In a county rich in water, it is difficult for Canadians to envision a time when we might not have enough water, but climate change is upon us and our researchers are ringing alarm bells.

This publication is made possible, in part, with the support of the Research Support Fund.

Ryerson Urban Water

This issue of Innovation features researchers from Ryerson Urban Water (RUW), a centre with the collective expertise of more than 40 researchers across 6 faculties and 13 departments who collaborate on sustainable solutions for water management and stewardship in urban settings. From green roofs and urban forests, to low-impact development and sustainable master planning, to engineered wetlands and wastewater technologies, RUW researchers apply an intensive, community-informed approach to address the needs of Canada’s largest urban centre and its adjacent waterways and lakes in today’s changing climate. Driven by a mandate of sustainability, RUW integrates research, education, and policy implementation to promote a healthy urban water cycle and healthy, resilient cities, now and in the future.

For more information on water research at Ryerson, visit Ryerson Urban Water.

Feature Stories

Road salt a hazard to aquatic life

As a standard road de-icer, road salt is having a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems in small streams flowing through urbanized areas.

Wetlands may be solution to Lake Ontario’s beach water quality in Toronto

Responding to recent evidence of climate change locally, Toronto is in the process of planning mitigation efforts for extreme weather events alongside organizations such as RUW.

Wastewater management a work in progress for Ontario municipalities

Ontario municipalities have adopted a patchwork of regulated standards for the management of drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater.

Does the benefit of ocean noise pollution outweigh its environmental impact?

The impact that humans have on water, and in particular the ocean, can’t always be measured in terms of contaminants and debris.

Partner in Innovation

Dance intervention aims to get people with Parkinson’s moving

Despite a growing body of evidence pointing to the benefits of dance for people with Parkinson’s disease, those being referred to dance remains low.

Spotlight

An innovative portable water solution

The most frequently occurring serious health concern worldwide is caused by contaminated drinking water, and the development of an efficient solution is the most critical issue in global health priority areas.