In cities we use water to generate energy, and we use energy to distribute water; this is a fundamental characteristic of our urban ecosystem. Water is used both to refine fossil fuels and, as steam, to turn the turbines in coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants. These plants also pollute water with toxic residues and excess heat. Additionally, moving water turns the turbines in hydroelectric power plants, while hydro dams alter and threaten aquatic habitats.

At the same time, the water system uses vast amounts of energy, producing megatonnes of greenhouse gases every year. In Toronto one third of all the electricity used by the City is needed to purify, distribute and treat water and wastewater.

On this walk we will encounter images of the past when this area was “a large open space, much broken up by a rivulet – Russell’s Creek – that meandered most recklessly through it.” (Henry Scadding, 1873). At that time, Toronto’s drinking water came from creeks, springs and wells; wind moved ships in the harbour, wind and water powered mills, and a major source of energy was horses, oxen and human muscle power. We will see how dramatic changes transformed Ontario into Canada’s industrial “powerhouse”. And we will see how these changes created challenges – but also opportunities – to creating a more sustainable city in our era of water crises, global warming and ecological shocks.