AquaSweep Takes to the Water: Open invitation to Live Demonstration at the Peel Basin

AquaSweep is an autonomous water-surface trash collection vessel.

The AquaSweep team, a group of Concordia University engineering students working in association with Parks Canada, is proud to announce the live demonstration and field testing of its autonomous water-surface trash collection vessel. The event will take place on Friday, April 10th, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Peel Basin of the Lachine Canal, Montreal.

About the Project
AquaSweep is an autonomous water-surface cleaning vessel designed to solve a largely overlooked environmental challenge: trash in urban waterways. Unlike large-scale ocean cleanup systems, the project is purpose-built for the canals, rivers, lakes and waterways the public enjoys every day. It prioritizes sustainable practices to protect local wildlife and habitats, replacing current cleaning methods such as manual labour or passive collection bins.

What to Expect at the Event
Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the full operational sequence of the AquaSweep vessel, including semi-autonomous navigation, real-time debris detection and collection, and onboard storage management. Members of the project team will be present throughout the event to answer questions and provide insight into the technical and environmental dimensions of the project.

The Peel basin park will be open to the community, and they are encouraged to walk along the canal to observe both the launch and active testing sites during the event window.

A Shared Commitment to Cleaner Waterways
This demonstration reflects the shared commitment of Parks Canada, Concordia University, and the broader Montreal community to protecting and preserving the natural spaces we all call home. The Lachine Canal is not only a vital ecological corridor but a beloved part of Montreal’s urban landscape, and AquaSweep represents a meaningful step toward keeping it clean for future generations.

We look forward to welcoming our partners, stakeholders, and the Montreal community to this exciting milestone.

Event Details
Date: Friday, April 10th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Peel Basin, Lachine Canal, Montreal, QC
Admission: Free and open to the public along the canal towpath

By AquaSweep team