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.
International Conference on Water Management Modeling
ICWMM: Advancing the Future of Water Management Through Modeling and Collaboration
The International Conference on Water Management Modeling (ICWMM) is much more than just another industry event it is a collaborative space where engineering precision, environmental science, and technology meet. Taking place in Toronto, Canada, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, this respected conference serves as a key platform for professionals dedicated to advancing modern water management practices through the power of computational modeling.
Organized by Computational Hydraulics International, ICWMM is renowned for its ability to bring together a diverse group of specialists from civil and environmental engineers to aquatic biologists, urban geographers, ecologists, and even municipal policy makers. What unites these professionals is a shared goal: improving how cities and communities manage water in a changing, increasingly unpredictable world.
A Conference with Depth: Modeling, Practice, and Emerging Technology
Unlike broader environmental forums, ICWMM hones in on computer modeling a discipline at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation. Its focus lies on tools and techniques that support the planning, analysis, and optimization of systems dealing with:
Stormwater management
Wastewater treatment and collection
Watershed modeling
Water distribution infrastructure
Through technical presentations, peer discussions, and live workshops, attendees gain a deeper understanding of how cutting-edge modeling technologies are shaping the future of urban water systems.
Technologies explored at ICWMM often include:
PCSWMM – for dynamic, real-time stormwater and wastewater modeling
EPA SWMM5 – widely adopted by municipalities for planning and compliance
GIS-integrated solutions – for better spatial analysis of drainage systems
Data visualization tools – to enhance stakeholder communication
These tools are not just academic they are real, applied technologies that impact how floods are predicted, infrastructure is maintained, and climate resilience is built into urban planning.
Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue
One of the most valuable aspects of ICWMM is its ability to bridge disciplines. The conference doesn’t operate in silos; rather, it invites professionals from different backgrounds to share ideas, data, and real-world experiences.
Whether it's a municipal planner from Ontario, a hydrologist from Nigeria, or a university researcher working on urban resilience modeling, ICWMM fosters conversations that are both technically rich and practically grounded. This inclusivity allows new solutions to emerge solutions that wouldn't be possible in more rigid or segmented forums.
The diversity of attendees typically includes:
Civil and environmental engineers working in infrastructure design
Municipal and regional authorities responsible for water policy and regulation
Academics and students exploring theoretical modeling innovations
Consultants and software developers offering advanced modeling platforms
Environmental scientists and ecologists analyzing aquatic ecosystems
This multifaceted mix brings depth, range, and perspective to every panel and breakout session.
Learning Opportunities Beyond the Lectern
In addition to formal presentations, ICWMM provides attendees with opportunities to engage in hands-on training and experiential learning. The conference spans two days, with a full day dedicated to PCSWMM and EPA SWMM5 workshops, offering something valuable for both beginners and seasoned experts.
These workshops are deeply practical, guiding participants through:
Model setup and calibration
Scenario simulations and what-if analyses
Regulatory compliance modeling
Advanced data integration and interpretation
By merging structured learning with open discussion, the workshops enhance not only technical skills but also participants' ability to interpret model results and apply them in real-world contexts.
A Relaxed and Open Atmosphere That Encourages Idea Sharing
While the technical content is rigorous, the atmosphere at ICWMM is intentionally informal. The event opens with complimentary drinks and snacks, creating an ideal setting for both new attendees and returning participants to connect, reconnect, and unwind. This welcoming start encourages spontaneous conversations conversations that often lead to long-lasting professional collaborations.
In the evening, a sit-down dinner and cash bar provide additional time for social interaction and deeper relationship-building. Rather than feeling transactional or rushed, the conference experience is thoughtfully paced, ensuring attendees have ample opportunity to network, reflect, and exchange ideas.
This balance of seriousness and friendliness has become a defining characteristic of the ICWMM and is one of the reasons for its high rate of repeat attendance.
CEUs, Student Discounts, and Presenter Incentives
Beyond content and community, the ICWMM offers real value in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Attendees can earn up to 2 CEUs, a tangible benefit for professionals needing to meet licensing or certification requirements.
In addition, the conference demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of water professionals. Full-time students are eligible for a 30% discount on both conference and workshop registration fees. Presenters also receive a 10% discount, making it easier and more accessible for voices across the spectrum to contribute.
Benefits for different participants:
Students – Affordable access to advanced content and networking
Professionals – Skill enhancement with CEU accreditation
Presenters – Visibility, recognition, and discounted registration
Employers – Employee development and applied knowledge returns
These incentives ensure that talent and innovation remain at the forefront of the conference, regardless of budget or experience level.
International Appeal and Industry Recognition
Though held in Toronto, ICWMM attracts a truly international audience, including participants from Canada, Nigeria, and beyond. This global presence amplifies the depth and relevance of discussions, especially when modeling is applied to different hydrologic conditions, infrastructure systems, and regulatory environments.
While its tone is relaxed, the conference’s industry impact is serious. ICWMM is ranked 163rd nationally and holds the 18th position in Canada’s Environment & Waste category, highlighting its specialized importance in an increasingly competitive space.
It may not be the largest conference, but its quality of content, expert community, and legacy of impact make it one of the most valuable gatherings for professionals focused on modern water system management.
Modeling Water, Managing Change
The International Conference on Water Management Modeling is not just about technology it’s about using modeling to manage change in an unpredictable world. As cities expand, climate patterns shift, and regulatory pressures increase, the need for reliable, flexible, and data-driven water management grows stronger every year.
ICWMM meets that need with precision, personality, and purpose. It creates a space where experts can present bold ideas, refine tools, and shape the future of stormwater, wastewater, and watershed systems all while building relationships that make implementation possible.
Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a new researcher, or a policymaker searching for solutions, ICWMM offers something rare: depth, community, and relevance in one place.
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.
