Air & Water Management Events in Canada

Canadian Waterpower Week

Canadian Waterpower Week: Powering Canada, Empowering the Future

A National Platform for Hydropower Innovation and Energy Sustainability

Canadian Waterpower Week is the premier annual gathering for Canada's hydropower sector—bringing together industry leaders, technical innovators, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore the dynamic role of waterpower in shaping Canada's energy future. Organized by WaterPower Canada, the event takes place at The Westin Ottawa in the heart of the nation’s capital, setting the stage for collaboration, innovation, and forward-looking discussion.

With the theme Powering Canada, Empowering the Future, this year’s event highlights how hydropower—Canada’s largest source of renewable energy—continues to provide energy security, economic strength, and environmental leadership in a time of global transition.

From national grid resilience to community empowerment, Canadian Waterpower Week reaffirms waterpower’s essential place in both current and future energy strategies.

A Diverse Lineup of Exhibitors and Thought Leaders

One of the most exciting aspects of Canadian Waterpower Week is its multifaceted exhibition floor, which hosts leading organizations pushing the boundaries of hydropower innovation. The diversity of technologies, services, and expertise on display reflects the rich ecosystem that supports this crucial sector.

Notable exhibitors at this year's event include:

   ANDRITZ – A global leader in hydroelectric equipment and digital automation

   BBA – Experts in engineering, consulting, and sustainable infrastructure

   AtkinsRéalis – Delivering transformative hydropower projects across Canada

   Natel Energy – Innovators in eco-friendly, fish-safe hydro turbine systems

These companies, along with many others, will showcase advanced solutions for plant modernization, grid integration, water management, and climate resilience. Their presence at the expo represents a strong commitment to evolving hydropower into a cleaner, more efficient, and more inclusive energy resource.

Themes and Topics Shaping the 2025 Edition

Hydropower is no longer just a legacy technology—it’s a driving force behind Canada’s low-carbon energy transition. This year’s sessions, panels, and technical presentations will cover a wide array of timely topics that reflect the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

Key themes at Canadian Waterpower Week include:

   Decarbonization and Net-Zero Commitments

       The role of waterpower in achieving provincial and national net-zero targets

       Hydropower as a complement to wind, solar, and storage

       Emission reduction strategies across the energy value chain

   Hydropower Modernization and Upgrades

       Digital controls, predictive maintenance, and plant automation

       Refurbishment of aging assets for improved efficiency and reliability

       Integration of pumped storage to support grid flexibility

   Reconciliation and Indigenous Partnerships

       Collaborative project development with Indigenous communities

       Capacity building, ownership models, and long-term stewardship

       Sharing best practices in ethical engagement and governance

   Environmental Stewardship and Climate Adaptation

       Balancing energy production with ecosystem preservation

       Climate modeling and hydrological forecasting

       Fish passage, sedimentation control, and biodiversity

This robust program ensures attendees will gain practical insights, strategic knowledge, and valuable connections to help advance their work in the evolving clean energy landscape.

Why Hydropower Matters More Than Ever

Hydropower accounts for nearly 60% of Canada’s electricity generation, making it a cornerstone of national energy infrastructure. But beyond the numbers, waterpower provides critical benefits that extend well beyond the grid.

Hydropower’s broader impact includes:

   Economic Growth: Sustaining thousands of jobs in construction, operation, and research

   Energy Security: Providing stable, dispatchable baseload power for a resilient grid

   Climate Action: Supporting Canada's leadership in reducing carbon emissions

   Regional Development: Driving economic activity in rural and Indigenous communities

   Innovation Leadership: Fueling global best practices in clean power development

As the energy sector moves toward electrification and decarbonization, hydropower’s unique attributes—renewability, reliability, and storability—make it an irreplaceable part of the solution.

A Week of Networking, Learning, and Inspiration

Canadian Waterpower Week goes far beyond the exhibition floor. It offers a dynamic environment for networking, mentoring, and policy dialogue. Attendees can participate in keynote speeches, breakout sessions, fireside chats, and informal meetups that allow for both structured and organic knowledge exchange.

Attendees will benefit from:

   Access to senior leaders from utility companies, government agencies, and engineering firms

   Peer-to-peer networking with project developers, regulators, and financiers

   Workshops and roundtables on regulatory frameworks and technical innovations

   Opportunities for young professionals through career events and industry mentorship

The event’s atmosphere fosters the cross-sector collaboration needed to tackle today’s complex energy challenges and to design the clean energy systems of tomorrow.

A Commitment to Collaboration and Equity in Energy

A standout feature of Canadian Waterpower Week is its emphasis on inclusive dialogue and the social dimensions of energy development. This includes focused sessions on gender equity in STEM, diverse leadership in energy governance, and the role of Indigenous voices in shaping sustainable projects.

Waterpower is not just about technology—it’s about people, communities, and future generations. By centering diverse experiences and perspectives, the event helps ensure that the transition to sustainable energy is just, inclusive, and enduring.

Join the Movement at Canadian Waterpower Week

In an era defined by climate urgency, energy volatility, and technological transformation, Canadian Waterpower Week stands out as a rallying point for those committed to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.

Whether you're a hydropower veteran, a policymaker shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape, a startup innovating for climate resilience, or a student looking to enter the field—this event offers inspiration, knowledge, and opportunity.

POWER OF WATER CANADA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

In the dynamic landscape of energy production, hydroelectric power stands as a steadfast pillar, revered for its multifaceted contributions to society. Recognized by governments, communities, and citizens alike, its significance spans from economic prosperity to environmental stewardship. Now, amidst Ontario's ambitious journey towards electrification and decarbonization, the spotlight illuminates the annual Power of Water Canada (POWC) Conference & Trade Show.

Since its inception in 2001, the Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) has been the orchestrator behind this seminal event. With each passing year, the POWC has burgeoned into a pinnacle gathering, a rendezvous point for the hydroelectric industry's brightest minds and innovators. Drawing in over 450 delegates and boasting a roster of 60 exhibitors, it has evolved into a nexus where ideas flow freely and collaborations germinate.

At the heart of the POWC lies a tapestry of networking opportunities and educational sessions. It's not merely a conference; it's a crucible where technical prowess, operational excellence, and policy imperatives converge. Delegates eagerly anticipate the unveiling of new insights, the forging of strategic alliances, and the dissemination of best practices that propel the industry forward.

Central to the discourse is Ontario's pivotal role in spearheading the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. As the province sets its sights on electrification and decarbonization objectives, hydroelectric power emerges as a linchpin in this grand narrative. The POWC serves as a catalyst, galvanizing stakeholders to align their efforts towards a common goal: harnessing the power of water to steer Ontario towards a greener future.

The allure of the POWC extends beyond its informative sessions and bustling exhibition halls. It encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie, where industry veterans mingle with emerging talents, fostering mentorship and knowledge exchange. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of hydroelectric power—a legacy rooted in innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

As delegate registration prepares to unfurl its virtual red carpet, anticipation mounts. The stage is set for yet another chapter in the annals of hydroelectric excellence. The Power of Water Canada Conference & Trade Show beckons, promising to be an ode to the indomitable force of nature—and the boundless potential it holds to illuminate our collective future.