Global Swimmable Cities Summit 2027
Description
[NOTE: French translation available - HERE // REMARQUE: Traduction française disponible - ICI]
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS OPEN UNTIL WORLD CITIES DAY, OCT 31 2026
SWIMMABLE CITIES SUMMIT #2, AUG 25-28 2027, OTTAWA-GATINEAU, CANADA
Our Waterfronts, Our Futures. Nos Rives, Notre Avenir.
A global urban innovation conference for leaders across society, who are working together to make waterfronts safe, healthy and accessible through swimmability-led solutions.
Overview
From August 25–28, 2027, leaders, practitioners, communities, researchers, businesses, water authorities and young people from around the world will come together in Ottawa–Gatineau, Canada for the 2nd global Swimmable Cities Summit.
Over four days, we'll explore how cities and communities can harness 'swimmability' as a catalyst for boosting liveability, equity, climate resilience and economic prosperity.
Taking place for the first time in North America, the Summit will be structured around the four stages of an emerging '2030 Global Swimmability Roadmap', featuring case studies from 'pioneer' and 'next gen' cities around the world.
Stage 1: Advocating for and Assessing a Swimmable City
Stage 2: Planning and Designing a Swimmable City
Stage 3: Investing in and Building a Swimmable City
Stage 4: Managing and Promoting a Swimmable City
Join Us - the #Swim2Summit has begun!

PROGRAM - Version 1.0, Sept 23 (Indicative)
Our program is under development, we're working with world-leading organisations and experts to create an event that inspires action and builds collective capacity for impact in cities and communities around the planet. [Note: the event will be in English and we're also exploring opportunities for translation and bi-lingual sessions.]
An Immersive Experience
We believe in learning by doing. Participants will have the opportunity to swim in designated swimming zones every day. Throughout the event there will be opportunities for professional networking, exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge and exploring partnerships.
Day 1 - Introduction: A guide to the international urban swimming movement.
Day 2 - Conference: A deep dive into case studies and innovations around the world.
Day 3 - Field Trips: A city immersion showcasing iconic, new and emerging projects.
Day 4 - Community Day - A public demonstration of engagement and promotion programs.
To discover what to expect, here are programs from past events:
Swimmable Cities Summit #1, Rotterdam (NL), Jun 2025 - HERE
Swimmable Cities European Forum, Basel (CHE), Aug 2026 - HERE

Benefits for Participants
Attracting urban decision-makers, practitioners and advocates from around the world; the Forum will be an opportunity to network, share knowledge, discover best-practices, broker partnerships and access the latest tech innovations.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS OPEN UNTIL WORLD CITIES DAY, OCT 31 2026
EARLY BIRD - INDIVIDUAL PASSES | ($CAD, Taxes Included) |
Global Premium Pass — Days 1, 2 & 3 | $795 |
Summit Pass — Days 1, 2 & 3 | $495 |
Summit Pass — Day 2 only | $325 |
Cities Pass — Days 1, 2 & 3 | $375 |
Cities Pass — Day 2 only | $275 |
Hand Up Pass — Days 1, 2 & 3 | $125 (for eligible participants) |
Online Pass — Day 2 only | $75 (limited sessions available) |
EARLY BIRD - GROUP PASSES | |
Municipal Delegation — 3+ People | Contact hello@swimmablecities.org |
Multi-sector Delegation — 3+ people | Contact hello@swimmablecities.org |
INDIVIDUAL PASSES
GLOBAL PREMIUM PASS — $795 (Early Bird rate)
For senior leaders, strategic partners, sponsors and others looking to engage at the highest level.
Includes the full Summit program, leadership networking and access to the Mayors' & Ministers' Roundtable (observer status), subject to participation criteria and capacity.
SUMMIT PASS — $325-495 (Early Bird rate)
The core four-day Swimmable Cities Summit experience for professionals, NGOs, academia, researchers, designers, developers, tourism professionals, water-sector leaders, businesses and others working to shape more swimmable cities. (Day 2 only option available)
CITIES PASS — $275-375 (Early Bird rate)
For municipalities, water authorities, and other public sector and First Nations organisations.
Includes the full Summit program plus access to dedicated municipal programming, including the Mayors’ and Ministers’ Roundtable. (Day 2 only option available)
HAND UP PASS — $125 (Early Bird rate) - Applications Apply.
Limited availability for students, grassroots / community / Indigenous organisations, youth leaders and others with limited resources.
We believe the global conversation about ‘swimmability’ should be accessible to the people and communities who are at the heart of the movement.
ONLINE PASS — $75 (Early Bird rate)
Join selected Summit programming from anywhere in the world, with online access to key plenaries, talks and other selected sessions. (details to follow)

ORGANISED BY:
Swimmable Cities is working with a range of local, regional and international partners to bring the Summit to life. Co-Hosts and core partners include:
City of Ottawa (Municipal Signatory of the SC Charter)
Ville de Gatineau (Municipal Signatory of the SC Charter)
National Capital Commission
Ottawa Tourism
Tourism Outaouais
Note: the global Swimmable Cities initiative is hosted by Regeneration Projects, a certified B Corp and Actor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, registered in Melbourne, Australia.
SUPPORTED BY:
We're building a coalition of partners to bring the Summit to life. To learn more about partnership opportunities, contact our team: hello@swimmablecities.org
INSTITUTIONAL - Coming Soon
CORPORATE - Coming Soon
KNOWLEDGE - Coming Soon
TECHNICAL - Coming Soon
MEDIA - Coming Soon
COMMUNITY - Coming Soon
MORE INFO: www.swimmablecities.org
CONTACT: hello@swimmablecities.org
Photo Credit: Ottawa River / Kichi zibi, National Capital Commission (NCC)
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