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Despite the university's proximity to Lake Ontario, many students complete their studies at Queen’s with limited direct engagement with this central body of water. A Global Development Studies course designed and taught by Dr. David McDonald seeks to change that by immersing students in the history, science, policy, and contemporary challenges surrounding the lake, from local concerns to global issues.

Living Lake Ontario has students explore a range of historical and modern issues beginning with examining the traditional livelihoods and relationships that Indigenous communities have had with the lake for millennia. They study the devastating impacts of colonialism and consider ongoing efforts toward Reconciliation, particularly as they pertain to the lake and its shoreline.

Throughout each class, students are encouraged to view the lake not just as a natural resource but as a living entity woven into social, economic, environmental, and cultural fabrics. “Given our location at the foot of the Great Lakes and that Queen’s is a signatory of the Great Lakes Higher Education Consortium, it seems to me that we have something of a responsibility to be more engaged in the rapidly changing nature of this massive body of freshwater, with a place-based perspective on research and teaching,” says Dr. McDonald, recipient of the 2023-24 Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award for the course and whose research focuses on the interconnections of water and essential public services. “Water is such a central component of life; it’s the one thing you can’t live without and there’s no substitute for it.”

A stand-out feature of the course is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. When the course begins in the fall, students are invited to jump into the lake with Dr. McDonald on the first day. If there isn’t ice on the surface, he swims in the lake daily and was instrumental in pushing for the City’s waterfront masterplan and public swimming access areas such as Richardson Beach. More field trips along the shoreline such as to the water treatment plant provide firsthand exposure to the ecological and human systems that shape the lake. Guest speakers from a range of disciplines offer perspectives on the lake’s challenges and opportunities. The Beaty Water Research Centre serves as a hub for learning, with Queen’s faculty such as Drs. John Smol, Diane Orihel, Kristen Lowitt, and Brian Cumming sharing their research.

Students also engage with representatives from government agencies including the City of Kingston, Utilities Kingston, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. They hear from local Indigenous leaders and organizations, NGOs like the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Network, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, and the Marine Museum, as well as private sector partners such as MetalCraft Marine. A memorable experience involves students preparing and eating fish from the lake, guided by Queen’s Executive Chef, who demonstrates how to clean and cook it. They even spend a class in the Fine Arts department focused on artistic expression and the lake.

Throughout the course, students are also asked to consider how local water issues are linked to global freshwater challenges, such as safe sanitation, climate change and food security, with direct reference to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping them to draw direct connections between what happens at their own shoreline and water issues around the world.

Despite SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation being the obvious connection, the course also brings in SDGs 10 – Reduced Inequalities especially surrounding inequitable access to waterfront resources and amenities, and slow progress on Reconciliation, 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities via urban planning and gentrification issues, 12- Responsible Consumption and Production due to growing pollutants, 13 – Climate Action noting the dire impacts of climate change on bodies of water, and 14 – Life Below Water by exploring the shrinking biodiversity and closures of fisheries.

“The hands-on education, heightened awareness, and inspiration I gained from this course are unmatched,” says Annika Wright a third-year student in Global Development Studies. “After our visit to the wastewater treatment plant, I started thinking more critically about the products I use, realizing that some chemicals slip through the system and end up in the lake, impacting its biodiversity. I was introduced to an entire network of researchers, institutions, and policymakers working to protect the lake. And honestly, what course quite literally immerses you in the subject like that? Jumping right into the lake itself!”

This course offers students more than just academic knowledge, it equips them with the tools and perspectives needed to become active, informed stewards of freshwater ecosystems. Whether pursuing careers in environmental science, urban planning, public policy, or advocacy, they are poised to make meaningful contributions and have impact. In a world where freshwater resources are under increasing strain, Living Lake Ontario helps students see the lake not just as a backdrop or somewhere to hang out, but as a living, dynamic part of our collective future.

More stories about students, faculty, and staff at Queen’s who are advancing the SDGs and the Queen’s Strategy will continue to be shared on the SDGs at Queen’s page in the coming months.

Resources:

Get to know the Great Lakes and Lake Ontario:

• What’s so great about the Great Lakes? on Ted-Ed
• Visit to dive in

Learn more about the course, Living Lake Ontario: From the Local to the Global:

• Dr. McDonald’s with Bill Welychka (Global TV)

Take Action:

• Get involved with that strives to connect people with water and empower them to protect it.
• Become a water leader on . Learn more about the Great Lakes, physically connect with the water, share your story, report pollution, and volunteer.
• Check out Dr. McDonald’s for news, information, and events.

Learn about SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

• Visit to get to know SDG 6.
• Watch ‘’ from Participate - a free community-learning platform.
• Watch United 4 Social Change video 

Learn more about all 17 UN SDGs on the  and what you can do to get involved.