PROGRAM
Powering Canada, Empowering the Future
In a changing landscape, hydropower remains Canada’s backbone of energy security, economic strength, and national unity. The 2025 Canadian Waterpower Week will explore how resilience, reliability and ingenuity in hydropower can drive prosperity, navigate challenges, and secure Canada’s clean energy future.
Taking place in our Nation’s Capital, the 2025 conference and trade show will bring together key decision makers, industry experts, policy and business influencers and offer opportunities to come together for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices, and pressing issues, all to enable a collective change. We are thrilled to have industry leaders and seasoned experts exploring where opportunities for cooperation exist, to accelerate progress toward our electric future. Attendees will build knowledge and gain exclusive insights, as well as network and position for success with the largest electricity generation, transmission, energy storage companies and industry related organizations in Canada.
Please note that program development is ongoing and updates are being made daily.
What’s New This Year
Explore the newest program elements for this year’s Canadian Waterpower Week, designed to spark deeper engagement, foster collaboration, and create space for meaningful connections across the sector.
2025 Canadian Waterpower Week Program
9:00 am – 3:00 pm | PRE-CONFERENCE TRAININGLocation: The Westin Ottawa, Ontario Room (3rd Floor)MEASURING HYDROELECTRIC TURBINE PERFORMANCE Led by WPC Member KGS Group, this training session offers a practical overview of hydroelectric turbine performance, including key factors influencing efficiency, measurement techniques, and optimization strategies. Participants will gain insights into turbine performance over time, energy equations, performance guarantees, international test codes, and field-testing procedures. The session emphasizes the importance of accurate data for informed operational and financial decisions. Course facilitators: Dan Giesbrecht and Albert Mikhail. You can add this session directly to your conference registration or email conference@waterpowercanada.ca for more information. |
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN sponsored by BBALocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | WATERPOWER CANADA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)Location: The Westin Ottawa, Ontario Room (3rd Floor) |
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITOR MOVE-INLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | WATERPOWER CANADA WELCOME RECEPTION sponsored by EnerServ (for all conference attendees)Location: Mill Street Brew Pub, 555 Wellington Street. OttawaKick off Canadian Waterpower Week by getting to know your peers in a relaxed setting filled with music, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. This is a great chance for all CWW attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and invited guests to come together to network and catch up with industry colleagues, make new friends, create valuable connections, and celebrate our shared commitment to sustainable waterpower and our clean energy future. Mingle with WPC Members and Government Representatives and chat about the future of waterpower all while taking in the breath-taking views of Generating Station No. 2 (today an asset of Portage Power) that holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest operating hydroelectric station. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time friend of WPC, this exclusive gathering helps set the stage for the impactful discussions that will take place throughout the week. Make sure to add this valuable networking experience to your conference schedule! |
7:00 am – 7:00 pm | REGISTRATION OPEN sponsored by BBALocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | BREAKFAST BUFFETLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:15 am – 8:30 am | OFFICIAL CONFERENCE OPENINGLocation: Confederation BallroomWELCOME TO THE 2025 CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK Canadian Waterpower Week 2025 will commence with introductory remarks from Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada who will welcome attendees and introduce the theme for the conference, Powering Canada, Empowering the Future. |
8:30 am – 9:30 am | OPENING PLENARY sponsored by TC EnergyLocation: Confederation BallroomCHARGING AHEAD? A CANADIAN POWER PULSE CHECK This timely session will begin with opening remarks from Chris Vivone, Director of Government Relations from TC Energy, to set the stage. Moderated by David Cochrane, Host of CBC”s Power & Politics, this panel discussion will take stock of the federal government’s early progress on energy and infrastructure commitments made during the campaign. From promises to cut red tape and accelerate project approvals, to pledges around deeper provincial collaboration and regulatory reform – how much has truly materialized since the election? To explore these questions, the plenary brings together André Bernier, Director General of the Electricity Resources Branch at Natural Resources Canada, Terence Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), and Kate Ladell, Director General of Ecosystems Management at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Together, they will reflect on what is changing in the regulatory landscape and within their respective mandates, and whether Canada is on track to achieve the government’s ambitious goals – or if the path is unfolding differently than expected. |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
9:45 am – 10:45 am | MORNING PLENARYLocation: Confederation BallroomFROM VISION TO REALITY: SUCCESS STORIES AND BEST PRACTICES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP Moderated by Patrick Tomlinson, Indigenous Relations, Business Operations & Negotiations at BC Hydro, this session will feature three distinguished panelists with extensive experience implementing Indigenous ownership in electricity projects. Each will share unique perspectives on navigating the pathways, challenges, and opportunities of structuring joint ventures between the private sector and Indigenous communities. Jeff Norman, CEO of Clearlight Energy, will provide insights from the private sector, drawing on his experience implementing Indigenous equity partnerships across hydro, wind, and transmission projects. Eric Atagotaaluk, Director of Pituvik Sarvaq Energie Inc., will share his community’s journey leading the Innavik Project, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of implementing equity ownership from the Indigenous perspective. Chris Henderson, Founding Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, will offer lessons distilled from more than three decades of work supporting Indigenous Nations in successfully advancing clean energy projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from firsthand success stories and engage with thought leaders dedicated to advancing Indigenous ownership. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 11:30 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 1Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I1A – AI and Digital Twins for Hydropower: From Reactive Maintenance to Intelligent Operations Discover how TGM Expert, a Canadian-developed AI platform tailored for hydropower, is helping power utilities modernize asset reliability, reservoir management, and O&M efficiency. Presented by Emmanuel Ngue, CEO and Principal Engineer and Diego Rueda, Business Analyst & IoT Integration Specialist at EN Solutions Hydro, this session highlights how the platform uses pre-configured hydro asset models, real-time dashboards, image recognition for inspection photos, and digital twin integration to transform raw operational data into concrete, proactive actions. Already deployed across Africa and Latin America, TGM Expert is now being introduced in Canada to support utilities as they transition from reactive to intelligent operations. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II1B – Bright Spots in Hydropower Production: Perspectives from the Environmental Sector Over the past 24 years, Ecofish Research (a Trinity Consultants Canada team since 2022) has played a leading role in supporting hydropower projects through complex regulatory processes across Canada. In this session, William Twardek, Fisheries Scientist at Ecofish Research Ltd., draws on that experience to highlight key lessons learned in balancing project success with environmental protection and community engagement. Through case studies – particularly from British Columbia – William will spotlight ‘bright spots’ where proponents have embraced science-based decision-making, adaptive management, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities to generate tangible, lasting benefits. The presentation will conclude with forward-looking recommendations to support more effective and efficient hydropower development across Canada, emphasizing opportunities to help both individual clients and the broader industry navigate regulatory pathways more effectively and efficiently. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III1C – Geotechnical Design and Performance Insights from Site C Join Badr Benabdellah, Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Lead at AtkinsRéalis, for an overview of the Site C Dam, one of Canada’s most complex and significant hydroelectric projects. This session will cover the design, construction and performance monitoring of the Earthfill Dam, which rises 78 m above its lowest foundation level. The dam is founded on a weak shale, characterized by a compressive strength ranging from 5 to 15 MPa and numerous closely spaced weak bedding planes with friction angles as low as 10 degrees. These challenging geotechnical conditions make the Site C dam a compelling case study in modern dam engineering. |
11:30 am – 11:35 am | SESSION TRANSITION BREAK |
11:35 am – 12:05 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 2Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I2A – Development Approach for Low Energy Sites – Sawer Dam Case Study Bawitik Power Corporation sought to develop a generating station at Sawer Creek Dam on the Otonabee River near the town of Lakefield, Ontario, and retained KGS Group to lead the development. With only 3.2 meters of head, the primary challenge was economic rather than technical. A phased development process was used to optimize both feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The technical solution was shaped using a Set Based Design approach and extensive turbine market soundings, coordinated with an Early Contractor Involvement strategy to align design decisions with construction methods and cost control. In this session, Stefan Kohnen, Principal and Regional Manager at KGS Group, will describe the process developed by KGS Group to identify and implement an economically viable solution. He will walk through how the project evolved at each stage, the key decisions made, and the outcomes achieved. The presentation will highlight how this methodology addressed critical considerations such as spilling capacity, environmental releases, and construction diversion flows — demonstrating what it takes to successfully develop an unpowered dam under economic constraints. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II2B – CSA S910.1 – A New Standard for Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments of Dams With the release of the CSA S910.1 Standard, Canada takes a significant step toward advancing dam safety and enhancing dam resilience in a changing climate. In this session, Kurt Kornelsen, Director of Environment and Climate Change at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), will provide an overview of the new standard, its development, and how it supports the assessment and management of climate-related risks to dam infrastructure and the function of dams across the country. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III2C – From Theory to Execution: Delivering Gigawatt-Scale Pumped Storage – The Case of Snowy 2.0 and Tehri Project With renewed interest in pumped storage power plants (PSPs) across Canada, this session will share practical, on-the-ground insights from two of the world’s most ambitious projects: Snowy 2.0 in Australia (2,000 MW) and the Tehri Pumped Storage Project in India (1,000 MW). Drawing on decades of international experience and over 40 GW of PSP projects supported globally, Pascal Seret from Tractebel Engineering will highlight key lessons learned in design, implementation, and site supervision – offering valuable takeaways for the future of PSP development in Canada. |
12:05 pm – 12:15 pm |
Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm | PLENARY LUNCHEON sponsored by AECOMLocation: Confederation BallroomSHAPING THE VISION FOR CANADA’S ENERGY FUTURE: UNLOCKING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THROUGH STRATEGIC GUIDANCE AND PROACTIVE PLANNING Join AECOM for a compelling discussion that will dive into the critical themes of resilience, reliability and ingenuity, highlighting their role in driving prosperity, fostering transformative change, and securing energy stability. Industry leaders will emphasize the pivotal role of early advisory in delivering these outcomes. This conversation will inspire attendees with actionable insights to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and strengthen the hydropower sector. Jill Hudkins, Chief Executive of AECOM’s Water + Environment Advisory global business line, Rachel Vanasse, Director of Engineering & Technical Services, Canadian Operations at Brookfield Renewable, and Candice Tourville, Business Development Officer with Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN), will share their insights as panelists in a discussion moderated by Lorena Patterson, President & CEO of WaterPower Canada. |
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm |
Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor)NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and Tractebel |
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 3Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I3A – Generator Development Aligned to the Environment and its People (Extended Session) ANDRITZ, a global technology company, is continually investing into developing new ways to improve the health of its workers and sustainability of its products and solutions. With this initiative in mind, ANDRITZ Hydropower generator R&D team in Peterborough, ON, has been working on replacing all chemicals used for windings with new chemicals eliminating the carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic risks for workers and on implementing new 30% bio-based resin compound for generator winding insulation tape. In his technical presentation, Robert Draper, Principal R&D Engineer at ANDRITZ Peterborough generator plant, will offer an overview of testing and performance results for this resin type in modern generator windings. Additionally, Robert will present a progress update on eliminating the most chronic of health risks for our workers. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II3B – Advancing Aquatic Biomonitoring: Integrating Genetic Techniques for Benthic Invertebrate and Fisheries Assessment As regulatory requirements for aquatic monitoring become more rigorous, innovative approaches are needed to enhance accuracy and efficiency. This session explores how genetic techniques (such as DNA barcoding and eDNA metabarcoding) are revolutionizing the assessment of benthic invertebrate and fisheries communities across all phases of project development. Helga Sonneberg, Founder and CEO of Ecoreg Solutions will share insights from research and field applications, demonstrating how these tools are being integrated into regulatory frameworks to deliver consistent, scalable, and cost-effective results. Ideal for environmental professionals, regulators, and researchers, this session highlights the practical use of genetic methods alongside traditional techniques, with real-world case studies and performance comparisons. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III3C – From Diesel to Hydropower: Transforming Energy in Nunavut’s Capital Discover how Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), Nunavut’s first 100% Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, is reshaping the future of energy in the North. This session will spotlight the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project, a 15-30 MW waterpower initiative aimed at replacing diesel generation in Iqaluit with clean, reliable, and community-led power. Learn how NNC is centering Inuit leadership, free, prior, and informed consent, and cultural priorities in every phase of development. Join Heather Shilton, Director, NNC and Greg Sheppard from Tetra Tech as they share insights on how this project, supported by recent federal investment, is paving the way for energy sovereignty and dual-use infrastructure in Canada’s Arctic. |
2:30 pm – 2:35 pm | SESSION TRANSITION BREAK |
2:35 pm – 3:05 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 4Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I3A CONTINUES – Generator Development Aligned to the Environment and its People (Extended Session) ANDRITZ, a global technology company, is continually investing into developing new ways to improve the health of its workers and sustainability of its products and solutions. With this initiative in mind, ANDRITZ Hydropower generator R&D team in Peterborough, ON, has been working on replacing all chemicals used for windings with new chemicals eliminating the carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic risks for workers and on implementing new 30% bio-based resin compound for generator winding insulation tape. In his technical presentation, Robert Draper, Principal R&D Engineer at ANDRITZ Peterborough generator plant, will offer an overview of testing and performance results for this resin type in modern generator windings. Additionally, Robert will present a progress update on eliminating the most chronic of health risks for our workers. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II4B – FishSafe Turbine Upgrades at Garvins Falls Garvins Falls, a 12.4 MW project on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire in the US, faced significant downstream fish passage challenges for migratory fish species including American eel, American shad, blueback herring, and alewife. Patriot Hydro partnered with Natel Energy to explore an innovative alternative to the fine exclusion screens prescribed by regulators, achieving high downstream fish survival through new specially-designed runners, while leaving most of the existing hydropower turbine equipment (generators, draft tubes, water passageway) unchanged and achieving the same output and efficiency. This project serves as a replicable model for balancing environmental stewardship with hydropower generation. Join Sterling Watson, Principal Engineer with Natel Energy as she provides a comprehensive perspective on the project’s development and implementation. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III4C – Phoenix Pumped Hydro: A Blueprint for Public-Private Energy Collaboration Discover how Australia’s 800 MW, 15-hour Phoenix Pumped Hydro project is setting a precedent for private-sector-led, publicly-enabled energy storage development. Dr. Mark Locke, Senior Technical Director, Hydropower at GHD will outline how New South Wales’ consistent policy support, from the 2018 Pumped Hydro Roadmap to recoverable grants and long-term service agreements, enabled this project to advance through feasibility and design. With insights into Australia’s varied state-level approaches and Phoenix’s strategic role in grid stability and renewable integration, this session offers policy and development lessons highly relevant to Canadian jurisdictions seeking to unlock long-duration storage potential. |
3:05 pm – 3:15 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 5Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I5A – The Urgency of Redeveloping Old Hydro Stations: A Perspective on Value and Risk (Extended Session) Across the U.S. and Canada, more than 500 hydro facilities – many over a century old and under 10 MW – face rising costs, falling revenues, and difficulty justifying redevelopment. Without action, financial failure could leave dams and related infrastructure without proper care, creating escalating public safety risks. Led by Stefan Kohen, Principal and Regional Manager at KGS Group, this session examines the scale of the challenge, the essential non-power benefits these sites provide (such as navigation, irrigation, recreation, and flood control) and proposes a new valuation approach to close the financial gap and ensure long-term asset sustainability. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II5B – Unlocking the Future of Snow Monitoring: Canada’s Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission Snow is Canada’s most important freshwater reservoir, and accurate data on snow mass is essential for water management, flood forecasting, hydropower operations, and climate resilience. This session introduces the Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission (TSMM), a groundbreaking Canadian-led satellite mission that will combine satellite data with state-of-the-art snow modeling to deliver the first high-resolution, space-based estimates of snow water equivalent at 500m resolution across the Northern Hemisphere. With data updated daily and freely accessible, TSMM promises to transform environmental forecasting, infrastructure planning, and clean energy generation. Join Chris Derksen from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Jean Bergeron from the Canadian Space Agency, as they share how TSMM will empower science, industry, and decision-makers to manage water resources and adapt to a changing climate with unprecedented accuracy. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III5C – Navigating Fisheries Act Compliance in Hydropower Projects Compliance with the Fisheries Act and related policies presents ongoing challenges and high risks for hydropower projects at every stage – from origination through to decommissioning. Drawing on decades of experience and real-world case studies, Juliana Cesar, Director – Environmental & Regulatory Advisory with Pesca Environment, will outline the key questions project managers and decision-makers should ask in each phase to anticipate and manage risks effectively. Topics will include critical habitat and species at risk, First Nations’ rights, impact assessments, Requests for Review (RFRs), authorization processes, offsetting proposals, monitoring programs, and the impacts of maintenance works. This session will highlight both pitfalls and practical strategies from a high-level management perspective to support more efficient approvals and stronger compliance outcomes. |
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 6Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I5A CONTINUES – The Urgency of Redeveloping Old Hydro Stations: A Perspective on Value and Risk (Extended Session) Across the U.S. and Canada, more than 500 hydro facilities – many over a century old and under 10 MW – face rising costs, falling revenues, and difficulty justifying redevelopment. Without action, financial failure could leave dams and related infrastructure without proper care, creating escalating public safety risks. Led by Stefan Kohen, Principal and Regional Manager at KGS Group, this session examines the scale of the challenge, the essential non-power benefits these sites provide (such as navigation, irrigation, recreation, and flood control) and proposes a new valuation approach to close the financial gap and ensure long-term asset sustainability. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II6B – HydroAI: Advancing Fish Migration Monitoring Through Automated Counting Upstream and downstream migrating Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) were counted using HydroAI at several hydro facilities across Nova Scotia, providing valuable information on fish passage for hydro dam operators. The same system was deployed on the St. Lawrence River at the Saunders Hydro Dam to count upstream migrating American eel elvers (Anguilla rostrata). HydroAI employs video and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to produce real-time fish counts. Hear from Colleen Burliuk, Research Biologist at Innovasea, as she shares how they are helping operators improve efficiency and environmental compliance with their new technology. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III6C – Evolving Markets: Unlocking New Opportunities for Increased Capacity at Existing Hydro Sites In a rapidly evolving energy market, the pressure to deliver more power is growing. Presented by BBA Consultants, this session dives into practical, high-impact strategies for optimizing capacity. Presenters Éric Moisan, Mechanical Department Manager- Industrial and Hydro and François Vitez, Hydropower Expert – VP Power Markets will share insights on pushing turbine-generator limits, exploring flow and transmission enhancements, and uncovering real-world opportunities backed by technical and economic rationale. This presentation will spark new thinking and offer actionable paths to unlock hidden value in your facilities. |
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK VIP RECEPTION sponsored by ANDRITZ (by invitation only) |
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK RECEPTION (for all conference attendees)Location: Canadian Waterpower Week Trade Show | Conference Floor (4th Floor)Unwind after a full day of sessions at this relaxed reception. Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors over drinks and light refreshments before heading into the CWW Awards Dinner. |
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK AWARDS DINNER sponsored by GE VernovaLocation: Confederation BallroomJoin us for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration at the CWW Awards Dinner sponsored by GE Vernova. The evening will begin with welcoming remarks from Heather Chalmers, President & CEO, GE Vernova Canada and President of GE Vernova, Hydro North America followed by the presentation of the Woman of Hydropower Award (in partnership with Women in Renewable Energy) presented by Joanna Osawe, President & CEO of WiRE. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner while celebrating the WPC WaveMaker Awards presented by Lorena Patterson, President & CEO of WaterPower Canada, honouring outstanding contributions and achievements across the waterpower sector. Alongside the awards, this special dinner offers speakers, delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, and guests a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and continue conversations sparked during the first full day of conference activities. It’s an evening to celebrate excellence, strengthen relationships, and enjoy time together in a warm and engaging setting. |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | BREAKFAST BUFFETLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:30 am – 9:30 am | BREAKFAST PLENARYLocation: Confederation BallroomA POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP: TRADE AND ENERGY SECURITY BETWEEN CANADA AND THE U.S. As political landscapes shift on both sides of the border, what lies ahead for hydropower in Canada and the United States? Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will open this plenary by highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration and the critical role hydropower plays in North America’s clean energy future. Her remarks will set the stage for a dynamic conversation on the evolving priorities that will shape the future of energy policy, trade, and climate action across the continent. Building on the foundations of a popular WaterPower Canada (WPC) x National Hydropower Association (NHA) joint webinar earlier this year, this session brings together the top voices in industry and policy, including Eva d’Ambrosio, Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, currently serving at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Brenna Vaughn, Executive Director, Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA), and Malcolm Woolf, President & CEO, National Hydropower Association (NHA). Moderated by Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro-Québec Energy Services (U.S.) Inc. and Chair of WaterPower Canada’s Board of Directors, this discussion will explore the broader strategic opportunities and the challenges ahead. Panelists will provide perspectives on the broader Canada – US economic relationship and CUSMA conversations, to be followed by operators’ perspectives on how hydropower strengthens bilateral cooperation, investment, and supply chain security across our two countries. In a time of change, collaboration is not just beneficial – it’s essential. Join us for a timely and forward-looking dialogue on how hydropower can remain a cornerstone of North American energy resilience and sustainability. |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
9:45 am – 10:45 am | MORNING COFFEE PLENARYLocation: Confederation BallroomTHE WORKFORCE EQUATION: UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITY Delivering major hydropower and clean energy projects requires more than filling jobs – it requires unlocking productivity from day one. Moderated by Dave Bowen, Vice President, Asset Planning & Delivery at Manitoba Hydro, this session brings together perspectives from across the project ecosystem to examine how early workforce planning and collaboration can set projects up for success before shovels hit the ground. David Clark, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark’s Major Project Practice Group, will share how proactive legal and labour strategies prevent disputes and keep productivity on track. Andy Forsyth, Business Development with the Millwright Regional Council, will provide insights into workforce readiness, skills development, and union partnerships. Annisha Chakravorty, Founder and CEO of Positive Influence, will highlight how building inclusive, resilient workplace cultures drives retention and performance. And Mike Westgate, Vice President, Business Development – Canada, Barnard Inc. will bring the contractor’s lens, addressing the realities of execution, scheduling, and delivering projects efficiently under workforce pressures. This is not just an industry talking point – it is a critical concern. Rising project complexity, shifting workforce dynamics, and fierce competition for resources all put productivity at risk. The panel will confront the toughest questions: How do we train and retain the right people, in the right places, at the right time? What planning and integration must happen early? And how can contractors, unions, and legal advisors work together to deliver projects on schedule and on budget? By focusing on early planning, cross-disciplinary integration, and collaborative execution, this session will show how thoughtful workforce strategies are critical to ensuring Canada’s next generation of hydropower and clean energy projects succeed. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 11:30 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 7Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I7A – Pumped Hydro in Mine Voids: Opportunities and Obstacles for Development Repurposing mine voids for pumped hydro energy storage offers a compelling yet complex path for developers and engineers. Drawing from over a dozen studies (including the under-construction 250MW Kidston PHES in Australia) GHD experts Brendan Henry and Mike Westerman explore the technical, environmental, and regulatory challenges tied to mine site developments. From adverse geology and water contamination to co-location with renewables and existing infrastructure, this session will offer real-world insights into the promise and pitfalls of mine-based pumped storage – with key takeaways relevant to potential North American applications. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II7B – Hydro-Québec’s Biodiversity Plan: Aligning Clean Energy with Conservation Join Céline Cusson, Director of Environment at Hydro-Québec, for an inside look at how the utility is integrating biodiversity into its core operations through its newly launched Biodiversity Plan. This session will explore Hydro-Québec’s commitments, strategies, and on-the-ground initiatives to protect and enhance ecosystems across its vast territory — showcasing how clean energy development can be successfully aligned with long-term environmental stewardship. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III7C – Powering Ahead: Refurbishment Case Studies In this extended session, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will share real-world case studies highlighting the challenges, solutions, and successes of refurbishing existing hydro assets. Sara-Kristin Doherty, Project Director, Renewable Generation Major Projects at Ontario Power Generation, will join fellow speakers in showcasing multiple OPG refurbishment projects, with plenty of great photos to bring these efforts to life. A key focus will be the Matabitchuan Generating Station Redevelopment Project, featuring insights from Hamed Hasanharati, Senior Manager of Renewable Generation Projects at Ontario Power Generation, Emre Fidan, Structural Department Head at KGS Group, and Simon Cossette, Project Engineer, Kiewit. From extending asset life to improving efficiency and meeting modern standards, these projects demonstrate the critical role refurbishment plays in strengthening Canada’s clean electricity system. |
11:30 am – 11:35 am | SESSION TRANSITION BREAK |
11:35 am – 12:05 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 8Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I8A – AI Ready? Optimizing Enterprise-wide Human Capital Management Processes with AI Programming in development Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II8B – HydroSphereAI: AI-Driven Insights and Hydrological Forecasting in a Changing Climate Join Dr. Andre Erler, Senior Climate Scientist as he explores how Aquanty’s HydroSphereAI platform is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize hydrological forecasting. This session will showcase real-world applications of AI and physics-informed models to deliver faster, more accurate insights into water systems – supporting climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and decision-making in an increasingly uncertain environment. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III7C CONTINUES – Powering Ahead: Refurbishment Case Studies In this extended session, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will share real-world case studies highlighting the challenges, solutions, and successes of refurbishing existing hydro assets. Sara-Kristin Doherty, Project Director, Renewable Generation Major Projects at Ontario Power Generation, will join fellow speakers in showcasing multiple OPG refurbishment projects, with plenty of great photos to bring these efforts to life. A key focus will be the Matabitchuan Generating Station Redevelopment Project, featuring insights from Hamed Hasanharati, Senior Manager of Renewable Generation Projects at Ontario Power Generation, Emre Fidan, Structural Department Head at KGS Group, and Simon Cossette, Project Engineer, Kiewit. From extending asset life to improving efficiency and meeting modern standards, these projects demonstrate the critical role refurbishment plays in strengthening Canada’s clean electricity system. |
12:05 pm – 1:00 pm | INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENT & NETWORKING LUNCH – LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE TRADE SHOW sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc., HATCH and TractebelLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor)Join us back in the ballroom for an important industry announcement, followed by a market-style lunch. Enjoy your meal as you make one last visit to the trade show before heading into the final sessions of this year’s conference. |
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 9Stream A: Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Planning sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I9A – Regional Electricity Markets: From Concept to Commitment As the need for national energy diversity and grid reliability continues to grow, the vision of a more integrated electricity market across the country is gaining renewed urgency. While the potential benefits in Western Canada are well known – enhanced efficiency, reliability, and flexibility – real progress toward meaningful market coordination remains slow. This discussion builds on last year’s conversation by moving the focus from concept to action. The Government of Canada has expressed support for a pan-Canadian grid; is this feasible and will this contribute to increased energy security? Panelists representing system operations, regulation, trading, and advisory perspectives including Jason Chee-Aloy, Managing Director, Power Advisory, Dan Kell, Global Director, e-GRID, Hatch and Michael Powell, Vice President of Government Relations, Electricity Canada, will discuss what has changed over the past year, what barriers remain, and what tangible steps could be taken to translate the idea of regional electricity market cooperation into action. Is alignment finally within reach, or is more groundwork still needed before Canada can unlock the full potential of regional integration? Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environment, and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II9B – Remembering the Past, Investing in a Stronger Future: Crown Utility Best Practices in Indigenous Reconciliation This dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Jeffrey Betker, Vice President, External & Indigenous Relations, Environment and Communications at Manitoba Hydro, brings together leaders from Manitoba Hydro, Hydro-Québec, and BC Hydro to discuss the evolving relationship between Indigenous Nations and Crown utilities across Canada. Susan Collins at Manitoba Hydro, Émilie Sénéchal, Manager of First Nations and Inuit Relations at Hydro-Québec, and Patrick Tomlinson, Indigenous Relations, Business Operations & Negotiations at BC Hydro will share regional experiences and insights into how their organizations are working in partnership with Indigenous nations to co-develop projects, implement equity ownership structures, and embed Indigenous values and priorities into long-term planning. The session will also examine the challenges and opportunities of moving from transactional relationships to models of shared decision-making, prosperity, and lasting economic benefit. Designed for utility professionals, Indigenous partners, and policymakers alike, this session will offer practical insights on how the hydropower sector can play a meaningful role in advancing economic reconciliation through respectful, inclusive, and forward-looking collaboration. Stream C: Project Development and Construction sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom III9C – The Future of Renewable Energy in British Columbia (Case Study: Site C Clean Energy Project) Building on Thursday’s technical overview of Site C’s design and performance, this panel will explore the broader impact of the Site C Clean Energy Project as a case study in BC’s renewable energy future. Wendy Lannin from AtkinsRéalis, Peter Finnegan, Site C Director of Design Engineering and Quality Management BC Hydro, and Ann Wen, Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Team Lead with Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) will come together to discuss the project’s role in meeting the province’s growing electricity demands, its contribution to the regional economy, and the long-term benefits for communities in northeast BC and beyond. Moderated by Gilbert Bennett, Senior Advisor at WaterPower Canada, panelists will also reflect on key challenges encountered during the project’s development ranging from technical complexities to environmental considerations, and the innovative solutions that helped move the project forward and into completion. Attendees will gain a well-rounded understanding of how Site C fits into BC’s clean energy strategy, and what it signals for the future of large-scale renewable energy projects in Canada. |
1:50 pm – 2:00 pm | SESSION TRANSITION BREAK |
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | CLOSING PLENARY sponsored by Kiewit & GanotecLocation: Confederation BallroomTHE WATERPOWER CANADA DRAGONS’ DAM COMPETITION PRESENTED BY KIEWIT & GANOTEC Witness the excitement of the final round of the WPC Dragons’ Dam Competition, presented by Kiewit and Ganotec! The top three teams will pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of industry leaders — the WPC Dragons — demonstrating creativity and ingenuity in solving real-world engineering and energy challenges. Don’t miss this dynamic session and the thrilling announcement of team prizes, recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit and groundbreaking ideas that emerged during the competition. Cheer on the next generation of innovators as they compete for top honors — and some great prizes! Click here for more information on the WPC Dragons’ Dam Competition. Stay tuned — we’ll be revealing the exciting lineup of WPC Dragons and finalists soon! |
3:00 pm | CONFERENCE CLOSING REMARKSLocation: Confederation BallroomHYDROPOWER – POWERING A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FUTURE As the 2025 Canadian Waterpower Week draws to a close, Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), will share closing reflections on the key themes, insights, and momentum generated throughout CWW. Drawing from a global perspective, Eddie will highlight how the conversations and connections made over the past few days reflect the evolving role of hydropower in powering a sustainable and resilient energy future. Following Eddie’s remarks, Serge Abergel, Chair of the Board of Directors for WaterPower Canada and Chief Operating Officer for Hydro-Québec Energy Services (U.S.) Inc., will share highlights from this year’s event, announce the results of the WPC Dragons’ Dam competition, and offer closing notes of thanks on behalf of WaterPower Canada. |
3:30 pm | CONFERENCE CONCLUDED |
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast Buffet sponsored by Hydro-Québec |
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Morning Plenary sponsored by Hydro-QuébecWhile our 2035 net-zero electricity goal was challenging, our ultimate goal is to build a net-zero economy by 2050. This massive undertaking will challenge our ability to plan, design, and build large scale energy projects, and will require development on an unprecedented pace for our industry. Join Claudine Bouchard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Infrastructure Officer at Hydro-Québec; Rodrigue Gilbert, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Procurement Practices, Canadian Construction Association; and other industry leaders as they engage in conversation. |
9:30 am – 10:00 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show |
10:00 am – 10:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 4Stream A: Planning and Reliability4A – Certifying Sustainable HydropowerJoin Lynn St-Laurent and Christian Turpin from Hydro-Québec as they share specifics surrounding the certification of the Eastmain-1 Development under the International Hydropower Association’s Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Join them for a discussion with those involved in these projects, along with sustainability experts. Stream B: Environmental and Indigenous Relations4B – Snow and Water Digital TwinsHear from Ion Padilla, Co-founder and CEO of Wegaw, and Matt Elgin, Head of Business Development at Wegaw as they discuss their methods of modelling snow and future water runoff with geospatial data and machine learning. Stream C: Operations, Construction and Projects4C – Lessons Learned from the Keeyask Generating StationBarnard Construction, Hatch and Manitoba Hydro will come together to discuss lessons learned from the recently completed Keeyask hydroelectric project. This session will be moderated by Mike Westgate, Vice President, Business Development – Canada, Barnard Inc; and will feature Tom Tonner from Manitoba Hydro; Mike Fuller from Barnard Inc; and Warren Gendzelvich from Hatch. |
10:45 am – 11:15 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show |
11:15 am – 12:00 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 5Stream A: Planning and Reliability5A – Hydropower’s Value to a Net-Zero Electricity Grid & Improving Efficiency. What are the Possibilities?Review of WaterPower Canada’s latest NRCan funded studies. Brady Yauch from Power Advisory LLP will discuss the critical role that Canadian hydropower facilities play in providing essential grid services to maintain a balanced and reliable grid, and Martin Dodge from Hatch will discuss the potential for increasing capacity at Canadian hydropower facilities and the results of their comparative cost study. Stream B: Environmental and Indigenous Relations5B – Climate Change and Impacts / Solutions from Indigenous communitiesMany of the utilities in Canada have plans to address climate change and are working with Indigenous communities to implement those plans. Listen to a panel of Indigenous and Industry experts discussing how climate changes is impacting Indigenous communities and the opportunities for partnering to bring about change. Conversations will also include government funding for Indigenous equity in capital projects, particularly renewable energy projects. Presenters include Muhamud Hassan, Chief of Staff, United Nations Association in Canada; Guy Lonechild, CEO of the First Nation Power Authority; and Christian Matossian from TC Energy. Stream C: Operations, Construction and Projects5C – System Planning and Delivery of MegaprojectsJoin James Burpee; Dr. Kathleen Vaillancourt, President of ESMIA Consultants; and Oskar Sigvaldason as they engage in a conversation surrounding the planning and delivery of megaprojects. Canada’s dominant challenge, from now to mid-century, will be to successfully plan and implement the largest and most expensive infrastructure development program in the history of Canada. This is in response to meeting economic growth, and GHG mitigation targets, and includes a major program of end-use electrification. This places special emphasis on the importance of comprehensive, integrated planning, as well as rebuilding the management capacity, to successfully deliver major infrastructure programs. This will include unprecedented expansion of large-scale hydro and pumped storage developments across Canada. |
12:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Closing Plenary Luncheon presented by Manitoba HydroPowering Through a Changing WorldThis session summarizes the discussions from the past two days. Our path to net-zero begins with the first steps. Join our closing panel to explore our immediate take-aways on this journey. Moderated by Francis Bradley, President & CEO of Electricity Canada, panelists will include André Bernier, Director General, Electricity Systems Branch (ESB) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan); Dave Bowen, Vice-President of Operations from Manitoba Hydro; and Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). |
2:00 pm | Conference concluded |
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Additional ProgrammingTECHNICAL TRAINING SESSIONSANDRITZ | Generator Rotor Structural impacts & RefurbishmentsVOITH Hydropower | The Scale of DigitalDigital as an Enabler – How do we best utilize “digital” to help us in our jobs of producing, monitoring, and communicating our changing production levels to balance our business objectives – whether they be saving money, making money, increasing capacity, seasonal contractual obligations, availability, or running to failure? Where does “digital” deliver demonstrable value at the power unit level, the power station level, the fleet level, and across the industry? We could say “digital twin” and imagine that encompasses everything, but we would betray the facts that it takes a LOT of technology to make and maintain a “digital twin”. Join Brent Ward from VOITH Hydropower as he takes a look at the range of uses of digital technology to see what fits where and when and what benefits digital could bring and the resulting trade-offs.These trainings are complimentary for all conference registrants, but please confirm your attendance by emailing conference@waterpowercanada.ca. |
Please note, all sessions are conducted in English. Live translation into your preferred language is available for all plenary sessions.
All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The program is subject to change at WaterPower Canada’s discretion.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Meet the Regulator – Exclusive One-on-One Meetings
New for Canadian Waterpower Week, the “Meet the Regulator” program offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with key Canadian regulatory agencies including the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
This initiative provides 20-minute, pre-scheduled meetings where participants can seek guidance, ask questions, and gain valuable insights on regulatory processes, project approvals, environmental assessments, and compliance requirements.
Whether you’re navigating permitting challenges, looking for clarity on policy updates, or simply seeking to establish connections, these one-on-one meetings offer a focused, productive dialogue with the regulators shaping the future of Canadian waterpower.
Spaces are limited – submit your interest below !
Meet the Regulator – One-on-One Meeting Application Form
Thank you for your interest in the Meet the Regulator program at Canadian Waterpower Week. This initiative provides 20-minute, pre-scheduled meetings with key regulatory agencies, including the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Please complete the form below to express your interest. Space is limited, and meetings will be confirmed in advance of the event.
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Submitting the form does not guarantee a meeting. Meetings will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, pending subject approval. The application form will remain open until all slots are filled. Confirmed meeting times will be communicated in advance of the event.
Applications may also be submitted by email to conference@waterpowercanada.ca .
Accommodations
The 2025 Canadian Waterpower Week Conference and Trade Show will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, at The Westin Ottawa. The Westin Ottawa is conveniently located in the heart of Canada’s picturesque capital, on the Rideau Canal and steps from Parliament Hill. Connected to the Rideau Centre shopping mall, The Westin Ottawa offers easy access to Canada’s national attractions.
A block of rooms has been set aside at the hotel at a special, discounted conference rate for Wednesday, October 1 and Thursday, October 2. Click here to book your group rate or call the toll free number 1-888-627-8528 and request the WaterPower Canada Conference group block. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made no later than September 5, 2025 to receive the special conference rate.
Past Program
While we’re hard at work developing an exciting new program, please revisit and explore recent Canadian Waterpower Week Programs and Speakers.