Island of the Future: Ookwemin Minising
Students explore Toronto’s newest island to see how the area was transformed and how Indigenous and civic voices shape the future waterfront.
Duration
2 Hours
Grade
7-12
Group Size
up to 150
Price
$15/student + HST
Languages
Tours offered in English & French
Tour Info
Toronto’s waterfront is still being reshaped — and Ookwemin Minising is its newest chapter. This freshly created island offers students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of urban geography, Indigenous placekeeping, climate adaptation, and public space planning.
HIGHLIGHTS
On this walk through Biidaasige Park at Oookwemin Minising students will:
History & Land
- Learn about the geologic origins of the waterfront and Indigenous connections to the land.
- Trace how European settlement and industrialization transformed Ashbridges Bay Wetland.
- Compare historic photos with today’s landscape to see how ideas of “environment” and “waterfront” have shifted.
Environment & Sustainability
- Explore the wetlands up close, and discover how they contribute to the area’s climate resilience and urban sustainability.
- Examine and debate current & future development plans for the island and what they reveal about Toronto’s changing shoreline.
Civic & Cultural Connections
- Understand the role of citizen and Indigenous activism in shaping the waterfront.
- Consider how public spaces reflect community values and environmental priorities.
Available in English & French.
Curriculum Connections
Science & Technology:
· habitats and communities
· biodiversity
· properties and changes of materials
· conservation of energy and resources
Geography:
· Natural resources
· landforms, climate, and economic systems
· global issues, and Canadian geography and citizenship
History & Social Studies:
· early societies, and the history and geography of Canada
Physical Education and Health
· physical activity, safety, and personal well-being
· active living, healthy living, and fitness.
Biology & Environmental Science: biodiversity of urban wetlands and ways to prevent natural disasters
Physical Patterns in a Changing World: settlement patterns and land use along the waterfront
Patterns and Processes in Economic Geography and Sustainability and Resource Management: land use patterns & development along the waterfront
Climate Change (Environmental Science): effects of climate change on Lake Ontario
How To Prepare Your class, and what to bring on the day of the tour
When teachers book a tour for their class they will receive an information package that will:
-> outline any in-class preparation activities to be done prior to the tour
-> list materials & items that students should bring on the day of the tour
Book A Walk Today
Testimonials
“The guides were knowledgeable, the content was engaging, and the activities were relevant. My students loved it! The tour was a great way for my students to learn more about the media industry while exploring various types of media found in an urban setting.”
–Pam H, Media Studies Teacher, F.E. Madill SS, Wingham, ON
“Our students enjoyed all aspects of the walk, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the reporter-on-the-street activity. We were amazed how they took to it and the courage they demonstrated in approaching the public. The follow up assignments were excellent also. We had them complete the news article as individuals and the advertising assignment in their groups. The rubrics were also well thought out.”
