Our mission is to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration so our waters remain healthy for generations to come
Great Lakes DataStream is an open access platform for sharing information on freshwater health. It brings together water quality datasets collected by monitoring groups throughout the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Basin.
Who We Are
DataStream Initiative is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to advancing freshwater protection through open data flows. The online DataStream hubs improve access to water quality data in Canada and are delivered in collaboration with regional monitoring networks.
The Gordon Foundation is a philanthropic charity with a longstanding commitment to protecting Canada’s water. The Foundation supports innovative research, communication, and collaboration to strengthen citizen engagement in freshwater management, and to drive the development of sound freshwater policy. DataStream Initiative was developed and incubated within The Gordon Foundation. Moving forward, The Gordon Foundation is committed to supporting the long-term success of DataStream Initiative, including the development of DataStream hubs across Canada to meet regional needs.
Collaborators
DataStream is supported by RBC Tech for Nature to accelerate tech-based solutions that help preserve the world's greatest wealth: our natural ecosystem. RBC works with partners to leverage technology and innovation capabilities to work to solve pressing environmental challenges.
In 2020, DataStream received its own charitable status, and The Gordon Foundation remains committed to supporting its long-term success. The vision is for DataStream to become a pan-Canadian platform with regional hubs across the country to support local needs.
DataStream is built with and for a growing community of water champions. DataStream is much more than software, it is a space to bring people and data together, so we can better care for the waters we share.
Interoperability
DataStream is designed to be as compatible as possible with existing data standards and emerging web technologies. This enables diverse programs and complementary systems to work together (inter-operate).
Sustainability
Caring for our waters requires long-term thinking. That’s why we are committed to ensuring DataStream is sustainable over time, providing a safe and secure home for water quality data.
Accessibility
DataStream is open-access, meaning it’s free and open for anyone to use. We work closely with data stewards and partners to continually improve DataStream so it’s as user-friendly as possible.
