More than 1,400 grade 4 students from Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River gathered at Mohawk Park from May 12 to May 14, 2026, to participate in the 18th annual Brantford-Brant Children’s Water Festival. The three-day event provided local students with an opportunity to learn about water science, conservation, and protection through more than 30 hands-on activities that moved environmental education out of the traditional classroom setting.
Organized by the Grand River Conservation Authority in partnership with the City of Brantford and the County of Brant, the festival aims to teach children actionable steps they can take at home, school, or within their local communities to protect water resources. The activities focused on themes including water technology, attitudes, and science, allowing students to learn through interactive play.
The festival was provided at no cost to participating students, with all expenses and transportation fully covered by community partners. These contributors include the Brant Community Foundation, Brant Waterways Foundation, Grand River Conservation Foundation, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Grand Erie Public Health, and MRC Wireless.
Maria Ramirez Giraldo, the event coordinator and a conservation specialist with the authority, oversaw the programming for the students. The authority, which serves as the oldest water management agency in Canada, continues to use the annual festival to promote environmental awareness across the watershed.
