Program
The urgency of reducing our dependence on fossil fuel continues to escalate. At the 2023 Canadian Waterpower Week, we discussed the changing role of hydropower in our electricity system and what it will take to achieve our greenhouse gas reduction aspirations and rapidly electrify our economy. Continuing the momentum of these important conversations, under the theme of Forward Together, the 2024 Canadian Waterpower Week aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. From cutting-edge technologies to policy discussions and action plans, this year’s conference offers a platform for knowledge exchange and networking where industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders come together to explore the future of waterpower and how the industry is taking action.
Taking place in our Nation’s Capital, this year’s 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.
8:00 am – 4:00 pm | WaterPower Canada Board of Directors Meeting |
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Trade Show Exhibitor Move-InLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Conference Registration OpenLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | WaterPower Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM)Location: Ontario Room (3rd Floor) |
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | WaterPower Canada Welcome ReceptionLocation: 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! |
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm | Late Trade Show Exhibitor Move-InLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
7:00 am – 7:00 pm | Registration OpenLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast BuffetLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:15 am – 9:30 am | Welcome to the 2024 Canadian Waterpower Week | Opening Plenary presented by KiewitLocation: Confederation BallroomWelcome to the 2024 Canadian Waterpower Week Canadian Waterpower Week 2024 will commence with introductory remarks from Lorena Patterson, President of WaterPower Canada who will welcome attendees and introduce the theme for the conference, “Forward. Together.” Navigating Canada’s Carbon Conundrum: Towards Net-Zero in a Changing Landscape This plenary panel will assess the nation’s struggle towards achieving net-zero emissions amidst challenges with the existing carbon tax. Stakeholders from various sectors will discuss concerns and shortcomings and will propose collaborative solutions. Discussions will focus on exploring alternative policies and innovative strategies to accelerate emissions reductions, emphasizing the urgency of unified action transcending political divides. Panelists will include André Bernier, Director General, Electricity Systems Branch (ESB) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Corey Diamond, Executive Director at Efficiency Canada, and and Shannon Joseph, Chair of Energy for a Secure Future. David Cochrane, host of CBC’s POWER & POLITICS, Canada’s premier daily political show, will return to CWW joining these industry leaders as the session moderator, engaging the panelists in conversation. |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
9:45 am – 10:45 am | PLENARY SESSIONLocation: Confederation BallroomIndustry Leaders in Conversation | Ensuring Reliability in a Net-Zero World Moderated by Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada, this engaging fireside conversation will feature Jim Robb, President and CEO, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Dave Bowen, Vice-President of Asset Planning and Delivery at Manitoba Hydro and Vice-Chair of WaterPower Canada’s Board of Directors. Join as they share key insights and advice in relation to electricity system reliability in a decarbonized world. This session will dive into the role that hydropower plays in our energy transition and the greater role it could play in meeting North American goals and sustaining black start capability. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 1Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I1A – Federal Support Programs to Enable Indigenous Equity Participation in New Energy Projects Discover how federal support programs are empowering Indigenous communities to achieve equity participation in new energy projects. This session will explore funding opportunities, policy frameworks, and success stories, providing valuable insights for fostering sustainable partnerships. Join Lyle Viereck, Chair of WaterPower Canada’s Indigenous Relations Committee as he leads a conversation with Stephanie Aldersley from Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), James Brewer, Vice President New Growth and Business Development at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and William Twardek, Fisheries Scientist, Ecofish Research Ltd., as they discuss specific programs (including the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program) and the pathways to meaningful Indigenous involvement in the energy sector. Stream B: Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous Relations sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom II1B – Preserving Canada’s Biodiversity Through the Energy Transition: the Vital Role of Collaboration Join as Christophe Rigny, Vice-President, Practice Lead, Waterpower and Dams at AtkinsRéalis sets the stage for an important conversation. Canada’s energy transition will require the development of new transmission and generation infrastructure. This session will discover how WaterPower Canada members are championing biodiversity and sustainability in Canada through innovative practices and partnerships, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between renewable energy generation and natural ecosystems. Join Lynn Davidson, Senior Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis and Steve Hamel, Specialist, Biodiversity Restoration at WWF-Canada as they discuss how working collaboratively within the industry, stakeholders are crafting effective solutions that benefit both energy production and environmental conservation. Stream C: Operations & Construction, Project Updates and Technological Advancements sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III11:00 am – 11:30 am 1C – How Hydropower Stations are Benefitting from Digital Transformation Join Brent Ward of Voith Hydro as he explores the advantages digital transformation brings to hydropower stations. Brent will delve into the various applications of digital technology, examining where and when it’s most effective, and how best to leverage digital tools to aid us in our roles of production, monitoring, and forecasting. Attendees are encouraged to visit the booth for demonstrations of 3D/360 simulations, StreamDiver, and remote learning via HydroSchool. 11:30 am – 12:00 pm 1C – Revolutionizing Underwater Concrete Assessment Discover how ASI, in collaboration with Vector Construction Services – NDT Division, has revolutionized underwater concrete assessment by adapting topside methods (Impact Echo ASTM C1383 and Pulse Velocity ASTM C597 specifically) for use with ROVs. Explore the challenges needed to overcome in order to achieve reliable non-destructive testing of concrete strength and integrity in previously inaccessible underwater environments. Presented by Bob Clarke, Senior VP of Research and Development at ASI, this session will highlight applications in assessing concrete dam faces, spillways, and tunnel liners. |
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm | Plenary Luncheon presented by Bird ConstructionLocation: Confederation BallroomCollaborative Delivery of Hydropower Projects – Application, Experience, Potential Collaborative project delivery, known as the “One Team approach,” emphasizes trust, open communication, and shared values to tackle complex projects like those in hydropower. While it presents a significant change for many organizations, it’s essential for addressing industry challenges. This plenary session, led by Bird Construction, will explore defining collaborative project culture, fostering effective teamwork, implementing Lean Tools & Practices, and integrating diverse perspectives for optimal outcomes. Key considerations include leadership deployment, contractual arrangements, and alignment with organizational practices and requirements, amongst others. Join Lynnell Crone, VP Alternative Project Delivery, Bird Construction as she moderates a lively discussion between Paul Burroughs, Vice President – Renewable Generation Major Projects, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Steve Chagnon, Director Project Efficiency, Construction and Rehabilitation, Hydro-Québec and Daniel Drouin, President of The Integrated Project Delivery Alliance (IPDA). |
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 2Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I2A – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Hydropower Reservoirs This session dives into the significance and complexities of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydropower reservoirs. Join as experts explore the GHG implications associated with hydropower. Attendees will gain insights into a significant Canadian research project that is comparing measured emissions with modelled predictions and using that information to improve modelling tools. Moderated by Bill Hamlin, GHG & Electricity Policy Advisor for WaterPower Canada, this Canadian collaboration will include Luc Pelletier, Environmental Expertise Consultant, GHGs, Climate Resilience and Industry with Hydro-Québec, Yves Prairie, Professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, Cameron Samson, Physical Scientist in the Land Use and Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Mike Shaw, Section Head, Greenhouse Gas Expertise at Manitoba Hydro. These panelists from utilities, government and research institutions will share their knowledge about how reservoirs emissions fit into the broader environmental and policy context as we move towards a net zero economy and how this type of research informs policy and planning related to hydropower and electricity systems more broadly. Stream B: Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous Relations sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom II2:00 pm – 2:30 pm 2B – Turbine Design for Safe Fish Passage Join WPC Member Natel Energy for an insightful breakout session on innovative FishSafe turbine designs, crucial for modernizing aging hydropower plants in Canada. With many facilities destined for refurbishment and growing regulations to protect migratory fish like the American eel, discover how Natel’s cutting-edge solutions ensure fish-friendly hydropower operations while meeting modernization needs. Engage with experts Abe Schneider, Chief Technology Officer at Natel Energy and Sterling Watson, Principal Engineer, Fish Safety at Natel Energy as they discuss balancing renewable energy generation with aquatic ecosystem health. 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm 2B – Exploring Wetlands (and beavers) to Spark Energy Production Climate change trends have shifted the hydrological regime of hydroelectric reservoirs by increasing early spring flooding and decreasing overland and groundwater base flows. This has lead to earlier spring discharges to reduce flood risk and the inability to drawdown reservoir levels in mid summer to meet a peak energy demands. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) are exploring the restoration of wetlands within the watersheds of hydroelectric reservoirs as a nature based solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Sophisticated 3D modelling, using Aquanty’s HydroGeoshere platform, indicates that wetlands do have the ability to reduce spring flooding and enhance base flows however, the challenges around restoring sufficient wetland area require further investigation in order to for OPG to build a business case. Join Mike Williams, Manager, Conservation PRO – Ontario, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Kurt C. Kornelsen, Senior Manager, Water Resources, Dam Safety & Water Resources at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as they share more about exploring a variety of innovative methodologies to conserve, enhance and restore wetlands including the use of Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) to encourage beavers to expand and maintain the wetlands created by the BDA’s in a landscape that is not conducive to traditional dam construction due to regulations, poor access and thin soils. Stream C: Operations & Construction, Project Updates and Technological Advancements sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III2C – Collaborative Project Delivery – Best Practices and Case Studies Join us for an in-depth session on the Collaborative Projects Delivery. Geoff Capelle, Director, Project Dev. & Collaborative Delivery at Bird Construction, Tom Kurtz, Project Manager – Enterprise Projects at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and Brenden Vickery, Senior Director, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Projects for Bird Construction will share best practices acquired in different sectors of the construction industry, including hydropower. Building on the “One Team approach” discussed in the plenary, through case studies and recent experiences, they’ll explore real-world applications, success stories, and strategies for fostering trust, open communication, and shared values applicable to high CAPEX and complex projects. |
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Coffee and Networking Break |
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 3Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I.3A – Long Duration Energy Storage: Should pumped hydro compete or complement battery storage? As global investments in battery storage increase and countries worldwide make significant advancements in pumped hydro storage, it is crucial to understand how these two technologies can complement each other. Moderated by Nishant Gehani, Director, Power-T&D Business at BBA this session will explore the roles of pumped hydro and battery storage in long-duration energy storage, highlighting international examples and sharing key lessons learned. This session will also feature an introduction from Debbie Gray, Senior Energy Policy Manager at the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Join Nishant as he engages in conversation with industry experts including Steve Fitzgerald from Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Svetlana Helc from TC Energy and Brad Kyte from Atura Power. Stream B: Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous Relations sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom II3B- Empowering Partnerships: Opportunities for new generation in Northern Ontario and Indigenous partnerships The Canadian Hydropower Industry is committed to pursuing relationships with Indigenous communities based on meaningful and ongoing communication, aimed at creating mutual benefit. Join moderator, Gilbert Bennett, Senior Advisor for WaterPower Canada, and hear from Ahmad Al-Ali, Director, Hydro Business Development at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Derek Chum from Moose Cree First Nation, and Candice Tourville from Taykwa Tagamou Nation, as they discuss the lasting economic and social benefits that potential hydroelectric developments in Northern Ontario could provide to Indigenous communities. Stream C: Operations & Construction, Project Updates and Technological Advancements sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III3C- Engineered Success | HIPASE-PS combined device for protection and synchronization applications ANDRITZ’ HIPASE is a globally recognized control platform covering several power generation applications such as excitation (E), electrical protection (P), turbine governor (T) and synchronization (S). All applications are based on identical hardware and device firmware and are parameterized using the same HIPASE engineering tool. The advantages of this unified platform provide many benefits for the end users, including simple project planning and implementation, lower training costs and reduced spare parts inventory. In the latest HIPASE development stage, ANDRITZ has combined two applications in one device for convenience of programming, synergy in functionality and compact form factor. In this presentation, Herbert Proschek, Lead Protection Engineer at ANDRITZ Hydro in Vienna, Austria, will explain the HIPASE control platform fundamentals and discuss many features and benefits of the combined HIPASE-PS protection and synchronization device for hydro power plant control systems. He will demonstrate a simple way of creating a typical protection system using the HIPASE engineering tool. |
4:15 pm – 7:00 pm | Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Canadian Waterpower Week VIP Reception presented by ANDRITZ (by invitation only) |
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Canadian Waterpower Week Reception (for all conference attendees)Location: Canadian Waterpower Week Trade Show | Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | New format! Canadian Waterpower Week Networking Dinner presented by GE VernovaLocation: Confederation BallroomJoin us for an evening of connection and camaraderie at the CWW Networking Dinner. The evening offers speakers, delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and guests a unique opportunity to meet, network, and catch up in a social environment. Share insights, exchange ideas, and cultivate new opportunities in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. This gathering provides a valuable opportunity to discuss and reflect on the sessions from the first day of conference activities, and allows attendees to continue the dialogue in a more relaxed setting. As a highlight of the evening, Heather Chalmers, President & CEO, GE Vernova Canada and President of GE Vernova, Hydro North America will provide welcoming remarks, setting the tone for an inspiring and engaging evening. Joanna Osawe, President & CEO of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) will present the Woman of Hydropower Award, in partnership with Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast BuffetLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Morning Plenary sponsored by EnerServ and MV2 HydroLocation: Confederation BallroomInnovative Strategies for Small Hydro Rehabilitation Join WPC Members EnerServ and MV2 Hydro for an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from various sectors of the hydro industry. Roger Paradis, CEO of EnerServ will moderate this engaging panel, and Samuel Franklyn, Director of Civil and Structural Engineering at Innergex; Stefan Kohnen, Principal & Regional Manager at KGS Group; and François Vitez, VP Power Markets at BBA Inc. will join him to explore innovative approaches to rehabilitating and optimizing small hydroelectric production dams. Unlike larger and medium hydro projects, small hydro rehabilitation faces unique financial and operational constraints that require tailored strategies. These distinguished panelists will share their perspectives and experiences, addressing the critical differences and presenting practical solutions for overcoming these challenges. |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
9:45 am – 10:45 am | Plenary Session sponsored by Hydro-QuébecLocation: Confederation BallroomImproving Energy Literacy & Enhancing Social Acceptability in Canadian Waterpower Development Achieving our net-zero aspirations will require projects and development on an unprecedented scale. With cost estimates approaching $2 trillion and little time between now and 2050, the pressure will be on to get things done. At the provincial level, programs in the tens and 100’s of billions of dollars have been announced. Completing these substantial investments will require public, indigenous, and broad stakeholder support. Moderated by Christine Cantin, Manager of Public Affairs at Hydro-Québec, panelist will include Carolina Gallo, Vice President, Gov’t Affairs & Policy for GE Canada, Terence Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Karen Popoff, Director, Environment, BC Hydro and Member of WPC Board of Directors, and Martin Vaillancourt, Executive Director for Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec (RNCREQ). This engaging panel will explore the issues and opportunities to achieve greater literacy about the energy transition and greater understanding of the critical success factors to gain social acceptability for the large-scale investments in our industry. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 4Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I11:00 am – 11:30 am 4A- Preparing for the Coming Wave of Hydropower & Dam Projects The industry is anticipated to experience a significant rise in number, complexity and size of hydropower and dam projects, necessitating proactive measures to address the workload challenges and ensure successful project delivery. Join Vincent Mercier, Department Director of the Hydropower, Dams and Hydraulic Structures team at Kiewit as he shares a framework for meeting this expected surge in the North American hydropower and dams industry and aims to federate WPC members to leverage their combined resources through WPC to achieve better results. By implementing these strategies, the industry can enhance its capacity, attract and retain skilled professionals, foster innovation, and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Continued collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adaptation to regional contexts will be crucial in ensuring the industry’s success in meeting the growing demand for clean energy and resilient infrastructure in North America. 11:30 am – 12:00 pm 4A- Optimizing Collaborative Model Delivery with an Internal Engineering Team With the growing appetite of the hydropower industry for alternative delivery models, stakeholders need to adjust to ensure leveraging the most out of these project implementation approaches. Join Laurent Bulota, Technical Integration Manager in the Hydropower, Dams and Hydraulic Structures team at Kiewit as he shares the benefits gained by all project stakeholders when EPC contractors involve their internal engineering team in hydropower projects, as well as the challenges that come with it. Stream B: Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous Relations sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom II11:00 am – 11:30 am 4B- Using Acoustic Telemetry to Validate Innovasea’s New AI-powered Fish Counting Solution, HydroAI Upstream and downstream migration of Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) was evaluated through a pool and weir fishway and two downstream bypasses at the White Rock Hydroelectric Facility (Nova Scotia Power Inc.), on the Gaspereau River, Nova Scotia, Canada using a recently developed miniaturized ultrasonic acoustic transmitter and the new HydroAI system. 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 hydro dam operators improve efficiency and environmental compliance with their new technology 11:30 am – 12:00 pm 4B- Innovations in Water Forecasting for Sustainable Hydropower Managing hydropower operations under a changing climate and evolving energy landscape is complex. Accurate streamflow forecasts can enable safe and efficient water resource management, helping utilities increase value, manage risks, and modernize operations. This session focuses on successes and challenges in implementing an innovative AI-driven forecasting solution, HydroForecast, across customers in North America and beyond. Upstream Tech’s Laura Read will be joined by Bruno Benedetti, Director of the Generation and Optimization team at Brookfield Renewables in a conversation geared toward utility owners, operators, and water resource managers. Stream C: Operations & Construction, Project Updates and Technological Advancements sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III4C – Modernizing Hydropower: Innovations and Challenges in Major Refurbishments The Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) projects that Ontario’s electricity demand could more than double by 2050. Upgrading and optimizing Ontario’s existing hydroelectric assets is essential to meet the provinces growing need and demands of electrification. Join us at this session where Amanda Griener, Director Asset & Project Management at Ontario Power Generation, Codie Lonsberry, Senior Project Manager at Ontario Power Generation, Mike Dupuis, President at Hydro Tech, Travis Penno, Vice President Field Services at Hydro Tech, Daniel Granger, WPC Board of Directors member and Senior Sales & Business Development Director at GE Vernova and Eric Leblanc, Project Director at GE Vernova will discuss the innovations, challenges and opportunities of the more than $600 million dollar refurbishment of the R.H. Saunders facility – Ontario’s second-largest hydro station. |
12:00 pm – 12:15 pm | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 5Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I5A – Empowering the Hydropower Workforce – Strategies for Workforce Capacity Development, Recruitment, and Inclusion Join Mark Chapeskie, VP of Program Development from Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) for an engaging breakout session, diving into the dynamic landscape of the hydropower workforce. Join as Mark discusses key challenges and innovative strategies in to build short- and long-term capacity in the workforce with a breakdown on current recruitment, and regional challenges and a strong focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Stream B: Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous Relations sponsored by AtkinsRéalisLocation: Governor General Ballroom II5B – From Droughts to Floods: Hydrology’s Role in Adapting to Climate Change Join Christophe Rigny, Vice-President, Practice Lead, Waterpower and Dams on behalf of AtkinsRéalis as they lead another important discussion during this stream of breakout sessions. Marie-Claude Simard, Head of expertise – Hydrology and Hydraulics at Hydro-Québec, Francis Lepage, Team Lead Hydrology/Hydraulics, Waterpower and Dams at AtkinsRéalis, Douglas Hultstrand, Vice President, Senior HydroMeteorologist from Applied Weather Associations and Ali Nazemi, Associate Professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University in Montreal, will explore how evolving hydrological patterns are reshaping our approach to climate adaptation and resilience. Speakers will dive into the dynamic relationship between climate change and water systems, and discuss strategies for effective management, adaptation and solutions. Stream C: Operations & Construction, Project Updates and Technological Advancements sponsored by TurbinePROsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III12:15 pm – 12:30 pm 5C – Lightning Presentation | HYDROGRID Insight – A Digital Control Room for Hydro Assets HYDROGRID Insight offers hydro asset managers, production planners and traders a tool to adapt to fast changing conditions and maximize their water value. 12:30 pm – 12:45 pm 5C – Lightning Presentation | Groupe Carbonneau – Small Hydro Hydromechanical Innovation Join Yannick Labonté and Guillaume Petit as they discuss small hydro Hydromechanical innovation, including aging loglifter replacement alternatives. |
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm | Networking Break & Visit the Trade Show sponsored by Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm | Closing Plenary Luncheon sponsored by Manitoba HydroLocation: Confederation BallroomUnlocking the Potential: Exploring Regional Electricity Market Cooperation in Canada In recent years, the concept of regional electricity market cooperation as a means to help the build out of renewables and to help address reliability in Canada has garnered significant attention and praise. The idea of integrating and coordinating electricity markets across different regions promises numerous benefits, including enhanced efficiency, improved reliability, and increased access to diverse energy sources. However, despite widespread acknowledgment of its potential advantages, the actual implementation of such cooperation has been slow and challenging. Moderated by Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro-Québec Energy Services and Chair of Waterpower Canada’s Board of Directors, this plenary panel discussion aims to delve into the opportunities and challenges surrounding regional electricity market cooperation across Canada. The panel, featuring Philip Duguay, VP, Business Development at Grid United, Lindsay Melvin, Director of Integrated Resource Planning Division at Manitoba Hydro, and Mark Sidebottom, Chief Clean Energy Officer at Nova Scotia Power will provide diverse perspectives on why this promising concept has yet to materialize into actionable strategies. |
3:00 pm | Conference concluded |
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 times are presented in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), and all sessions are presented in English.
The program is subject to change at WaterPower Canada’s discretion.
Program Development
The Canadian Waterpower Week Program Development & Planning Committee are always looking for inspiring and thought-provoking industry experts to join our speaker lineup. This year’s program is now full but don’t miss your chance to share your knowledge and research with your industry peers at next year’s conference. Submit your proposal today!
Accommodations
The Conference and Trade Show will take place in Ottawa, ON, at The Westin Ottawa. A block of rooms has been set aside at the hotel at a special conference rate. 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 3, 2024 to receive the special conference rate.
Past Program
While we’re hard at work developing an exciting new program, please revisit and explore the 2023 Canadian Waterpower Week Program and Speakers.