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Through previous Indigenous consultation, the site is named Awen' after a word for 'water' in the endangered language of the Huron-Wendat Nation. This name celebrates the life-giving sustenance that Georgian Bay has provided to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, and recognizes water as a common element shared by all living things.
The Awen' Waterplay provides opportunity to explore water through the act of 'play' allowing for interpretation and exploration of the properties of water, as well as its role in environmental cycles.
Ojibwa advisor, Elder, and Knowledge Keeper, Dr. Duke Redbird, has expanded on this opportunity and described the traditionalContinue reading
Through previous Indigenous consultation, the site is named Awen' after a word for 'water' in the endangered language of the Huron-Wendat Nation. This name celebrates the life-giving sustenance that Georgian Bay has provided to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, and recognizes water as a common element shared by all living things.
The Awen' Waterplay provides opportunity to explore water through the act of 'play' allowing for interpretation and exploration of the properties of water, as well as its role in environmental cycles.
Ojibwa advisor, Elder, and Knowledge Keeper, Dr. Duke Redbird, has expanded on this opportunity and described the traditional 'rain dance' as a cultural expression of its movement, energy, and spirit. In this context, Dr. Redbird also felt that the spirit of the Thunderbird should be honoured as the bringer of life-sustaining water from the sky.
With the research, consultation, and design aspects now complete, the Town is looking forward to moving onto construction of the Awen' Waterplay. Effectively this has two projects occurring at the same time: site servicing, which includes bringing water, wastewater, electrical, from the area of Cedar and Oak Streets, PLUS, establishing grading, earthworks, and water play and collection spaces, constructing the water play infrastructure, installing a control room, washrooms, an outdoor change room, and an outdoor seating space.
After a long period of study, consultation, and design, plans are being reviewed and a design brief has been submitted to the Health Unit for review and guidance. Town Engineering is working with consultant engineers to ensure that such elements as water supply and the infrastructure design is acceptable.
Final Drawings
Awen' Waterplay Area has finished this stage
Final Drawings for both the site servicing project and the construction of the water play space will be finalized.
Submission for Review and Approval
Awen' Waterplay Area has finished this stage
The site servicing project needs approval from the Ministry of the Environment, while the water play facility needs to have final approval from the NVCA.
Underground Servicing
Awen' Waterplay Area has finished this stage
May 2021 the underground servicing (water & sewer) was brought to the site to service the future water play and washrooms.
Parking Lot Construction
Awen' Waterplay Area has finished this stage
Starting July 2021, the parking lot for the water play area will begin north of Cedar Street. Works will include realigning the trail and temporary road closures.
Tenders Posted for Bidding and Selection Process
Awen' Waterplay Area has finished this stage
The water play construction project will be tendered later this summer.
Water Play Construction
Awen' Waterplay Area is currently at this stage
The construction of the water play facility, washroom, and outdoor change room is expected to begin lare summer 2022 with a grand opening in the summer of 2023.
