PROGRAM
Harnessing Opportunity: Hydropower’s Next Generation
As Canada accelerates toward its next era of clean electricity, hydropower stands at the center of opportunity. Driving the future of energy production, hydro will power the next generation of installations and empower the leaders who will shape our energy future.
The 2026 Canadian Waterpower Week will explore how the sector’s proven foundation of reliability, innovation, and sustainability can be harnessed to meet the demands of a decarbonized, electrified economy. Moving beyond ambition to action, this year’s program challenges industry, government, and communities to chart practical pathways for “Canadian Electricity 2.0”: scaling generation, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration across generations of people, projects, and ideas.
Taking place in our Nation’s Capital, the 2026 national conference and trade show will bring together the leaders who power Canada – decision-makers, policy influencers, utilities, developers, investors, Indigenous and community partners, and the emerging professionals driving what comes next. Across three intensive days, participants will connect, collaborate, and uncover new opportunities to advance hydropower’s role in delivering the secure, reliable, and sustainable energy future Canada needs.
Please note that program development is ongoing and updates are being made daily.
Featured Program Elements
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.
2026 Canadian Waterpower Week Program
9:00 am – 12:00 pm | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPLocation: Room: Governor General I, The Westin Ottawa (4th Floor)HYDROPOWER’S EVOLVING ROLE IN A SOLAR-AND-WIND DOMINATED SYSTEM (Facilitated by IRENA) As solar and wind generation scale rapidly, the role of hydropower is expected to evolve. Beyond providing renewable electricity, hydropower can provide flexibility to balance variable generation, support grid stability and store energy across hours, days or seasons. This evolving role brings operational, technical and commercial challenges. These changes are also relevant for Canada. With electricity demand expected to double by 2050 and variable renewables projected to rise from 8% to 25% by 2040, Canada’s hydropower fleet could increasingly provide flexibility as the power system changes. Held in hybrid format with access via Zoom, this event will explore how hydropower operations and technologies, market frameworks and investment models need to adapt to enable greater flexibility. The first panel will explore how hydropower operation could change as solar and wind increase. The second panel will examine the technical upgrades needed to support more flexible hydropower operation. A closing presentation will address the market and financing conditions needed to make this transition viable. Question and answer sessions and online surveys will gather participants’ views on relevant topics and priorities for the following year’s work. The event is organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada. It is part of IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Hydropower, an initiative which promotes international dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action to support hydropower’s contribution to the global renewable energy transformation. Further information is available on www.irena.org/How-we-work/Collaborative-frameworks/Hydropower. This session can be added directly during conference registration or by contacting conference@waterpowercanada.ca for more information. Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. |
9:00 am – 3:00 pm | PRE-CONFERENCE TRAININGLocation: Room: Quebec, The Westin Ottawa (4th Floor)FROM PERFORMANCE TESTING TO PERFORMANCE MONITORING Led by WaterPower Canada member KGS Group, this training course builds on last year’s introduction to measuring hydroelectric turbine performance. Following a brief review of key performance-testing principles, participants will learn how field-test data are compiled, analyzed, and compared with performance guarantees and historical results, with a brief overview on understanding and quantifying measurement uncertainties and their impact on results. The course will provide practical guidance for witnessing turbine performance tests, including test preparation, instrumentation, calibrations, site observations, data review, and common testing pitfalls. The session will then examine how validated performance data can establish a baseline for ongoing monitoring, identify changes in unit performance, and support informed operational, maintenance, and asset-management decisions. This session can be added directly during conference registration or by contacting conference@waterpowercanada.ca for more information. Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. |
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm* | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPLocation: Room: Governor General I, The Westin Ottawa (4th Floor)Power Utility Perspectives on Digitalization, Asset Management & AI Power utilities are facing increasingly complex challenges: aging infrastructure, evolving grid requirements, constrained resources, workforce and expertise gaps, growing volumes of operational data, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence. Led by EN Solutions Hydro, this interactive session will bring together utility representatives from Canada and internationally to exchange practical perspectives on O&M, asset management, rehabilitation priorities, digitalization, data management and the future role of AI in utility operations. The session will include brief introductions from invited international utilities, an overview and practical demonstrations of EN Solutions Hydro’s technology ecosystem, a networking break, and a 45-minute moderated utility leadership panel followed by audience Q&A. The panel will feature: Bhargav Pandya, Program Coordinator/Advisor, Southeast Operations, Renewable Generation (Hydro) – Ontario Power Generation Oluseyi Smith, P.Eng., MBA, Director, Generation Engineering & Operations – Portage Power Samuel Nimako-Boateng, Eng., Deputy CEO – Engineering, Operations & Technical – Bui Power Authority, Ghana The discussion will explore how utilities prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation, align asset strategies with grid requirements, manage SCADA, historian and maintenance data, address resource and expertise constraints, and assess where digitalization and AI can realistically create operational value. The panel will be moderated by Emmanuel Ngue, P.Eng., President & CEO of EN Solutions Hydro. |
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITOR MOVE-INLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
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: Room: Governor General I, The Westin Ottawa |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | WATERPOWER CANADA WELCOME RECEPTION (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! |
7:15 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) |
8:30 am – 8:45 am | OFFICIAL CONFERENCE OPENINGLocation: Confederation BallroomWELCOME TO THE 2026 CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK Canadian Waterpower Week 2026 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, Harnessing Opportunity: Hydropower’s Next Generation. |
8:45 am – 9:45 am | OPENING PLENARYLocation: Confederation BallroomHYDROPOWER AND CANADA’S STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE As Canada navigates a rapidly evolving energy and geopolitical landscape, hydropower is emerging as a cornerstone of the country’s energy security, economic sovereignty, and net-zero future. This opening plenary will bring together federal leaders and policy experts to explore how hydropower can strengthen industrial competitiveness, support a secure and reliable energy system, and help meet growing electricity demand while advancing Canada’s climate commitments. The discussion will examine the role of hydropower as a strategic national asset, the opportunities presented by major project development, and the policy, investment, permitting, and regulatory reforms needed to accelerate project delivery. Join moderator, Heather Bakken, Founding Partner at Pendulum Group, and speakers Drew Leyburne, Assistant Deputy Minister, Energy Technology Sector at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Terence Hubbard, President at Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) as they consider how greater coordination across governments and regulators can help unlock new capacity and position Canada for long-term economic and energy success. |
9:45 am – 10:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
10:00 am – 10:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 1Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I1A – Beyond Acceptance Testing: Turning Turbine Performance Tests into Long-Term Monitoring Programs The performance of turbines is typically tested to verify contractual guarantees, confirm refurbishment outcomes, or establish an as-installed efficiency curve. However, the value of performance testing can extend well beyond the test itself. When properly structured, test results can provide the foundation for a long-term monitoring program that supports dispatch decisions, monitoring unit behaviour, maintenance planning, and asset-management decisions. In many hydropower facilities, confidence in actual unit flow and efficiency are limited, even though these parameters directly affect flow compliance, energy production, and revenue. This presentation explores how measured as-installed performance data can be used to establish reliable monitoring baselines for flow and efficiency. Using real-world examples, the presentation will examine practical monitoring approaches, including measurement methods, uncertainty, maintenance requirements, and generated data; and how these can be tailored to client objectives, site constraints, available instrumentation, operating flexibility, and budget. The presentation, lead by Dan Giesbrecht, Senior Mechanical Engineer, and Albert F. Mikhail, Turbine Performance Testing Specialist, both from KGS Group, will demonstrate how performance baselines can be used to identify drift from expected performance, support predictive maintenance and targeted inspections, update operating guidance, and provide early warning when unit behaviour changes. It will also discuss how performance monitoring can be integrated with vibration, cavitation observations, environmental constraints, and licensing requirements. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II1B – FishSafe Turbine Replacement as a Compliance Strategy: Design Feasibility at the Moses-Saunders Power Dam Downstream passage of American eel remains a key compliance challenge for hydropower operators. This presentation explores runner replacement as a solution, demonstrating how modern fishsafe turbine designs can improve downstream passage while maintaining plant performance. Drawing on a feasibility study at NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR station on the Moses-Saunders Power Dam, Abe Schneider, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Natel Energy, will share how advanced turbine runner designs achieved high projected eel survival rates without compromising efficiency or power generation. The findings highlight how turbine rehabilitation could provide a practical, long-term solution to fish passage requirements for Canadian hydropower facilities. Stream C: Operations and Construction, Project Updates and Technological AdvancementsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III1C – Interactive Workshop: Reliability, Growth, and Delivery – What Should Utilities Focus on First? Utilities are being asked to maintain reliability, expand infrastructure, modernize operations, and adopt new technologies while managing workforce constraints, affordability pressures, and increasingly complex capital programs. Every challenge matters, but not all of them can be addressed at once. Join Jana Hanova, Senior Vice President at Energy Utilities AECOM Advisory, for a dynamic and interactive workshop that puts prioritization and perhaps more importantly, action at the centre of the conversation. Together, participants will build a dashboard of priorities and explore the trade-offs behind some of the most important decisions facing utilities today. Working with leaders and peers from across the industry, participants will use a practical decision framework to identify what requires attention now, debate difficult trade-offs, and consider where utilities should focus their resources and investment to strengthen operations, project delivery, and long-term system performance. The hardest leadership decisions don’t only involve solving individual problems. They’re about deciding which problems to solve first given the unique context, complexity, and constraints each organization faces. |
10:00 am – 11:00 am | CONFERENCE TECHNICAL TRAININGLocation: Quebec (4th Floor)Francis Runner Start-Up Sequence Optimization Strain gauge measurements on Francis runners have quantified the high dynamic stresses occurring during the transient start-up process of the units. With increasing number of start-stop cycles, these transient dynamic stresses have an increasing impact on the runner fatigue life and may lead to earlier runner fatigue and cracking if they are not limited in amplitude for both existing or new fully flexible runners. Dynamic stress amplitudes during start-up can be reduced by installation of a runner designed with increased robustness and by optimizing start-up sequences. Even for a new fully flexible runner, a traditional start-up sequence may still require compromise on hydraulic performance of the unit, such as efficiency and cavitation protection. The start-up sequence optimization is therefore a preferred solution to ensure reliable long fatigue life of existing runners and to optimize both fatigue life, hydraulic performance and cavitation protection of new runners. This presentation, lead by Christine Monette, Principal Engineer and Leader of the Centre of Competence for Turbine Structural Analysis, will show ANDRITZ’s methodology to optimize the start-up sequence during the design phase and to predict the associate transient dynamic stresses expected on Francis runners. Start-up sequence optimization aims to reduce dynamic stresses and reach acceptable runner fatigue life while considering grid synchronization time requirements, bearing lubrification requirements and governor capacities. Successfully implemented optimized start-up sequences will be shown as examples. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 11:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 2Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I2A – Milltown Dam: Delivering a Landmark Hydropower Decommissioning and River Restoration Project As Canada’s hydropower fleet continues to age, asset owners are increasingly faced with critical decisions regarding refurbishment, redevelopment, or decommissioning of aging facilities. In this session, Cherie Babineau, P.Eng., PMP, Senior Engineer and Project Manager of the Milltown Dam decommissioning project and Simon D. Arseneau, Technical Director, Geostructural and Heavy Civil Engineering at GHD will present their experience leading the engineering design and river restoration program for the decommissioning of New Brunswick Power’s historic Milltown Generating Station on the St. Croix River. This presentation will highlight the collaborative planning process, engineering challenges, environmental restoration objectives, stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, and key regulatory considerations associated with one of Canada’s most significant dam decommissioning projects. Attendees will gain practical insights into lessons learned and best practices that can inform future hydropower asset transition and river restoration initiatives. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II2B – HYDROPOWER’S EVOLVING ROLE IN A SOLAR-AND-WIND DOMINATED SYSTEM, insights from the Pre-Conference Discussions Join Building on the insights and discussions from IRENA’s pre-conference session, this presentation will explore how hydropower is evolving from a traditional baseload resource into a flexible, fast-response enabler of increasingly renewable electricity systems. As solar and wind generation continue to expand, participants examined the operational, technological, and market changes required to position hydropower as a cornerstone of grid reliability and flexibility. This session will highlight key takeaways from those discussions, including strategies to modernize and optimize aging hydro assets and leverage digital technologies and unlock new revenue opportunities through evolving market mechanisms. Attendees will gain practical insights into the investments, regulatory frameworks, and policy reforms needed to support hydropower’s growing role in delivering a resilient, affordable, and low-carbon electricity system. Stream C: Operations and Construction, Project Updates and Technological AdvancementsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III2C – Water Power in the U.S. — Shaping Public Opinion and Policymaker Priorities Copeland Tucker, Director of Public Affairs at the National Hydropower Association in the U.S., shares the challenges and opportunities in promoting water power to policymakers and their voters. His presentation will cover the unique differences between how the resource is viewed in the U.S. and Canada, what he’s doing to ensure lawmakers prioritize it, and how energy is shaping the upcoming midterm elections. |
11:45 am – 12:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | LIGHTNING SESSIONS3A – Modernizing Historic Francis Turbines with Innovative Submerged Turbine-Generator TechnologyLocation: Governor General Ballroom I Christian Winkler of Bridge Executive Renewable Solutions Ltd. will explore an innovative approach to the modernization of historic hydropower facilities using a compact, fully submerged turbine-generator unit developed jointly by DIVE Turbinen GmbH & Co. KG and Oswald Elektromotoren GmbH. The turbine runner is directly connected to a permanent-magnet synchronous generator and supported by a central bearing system. A non-wearing shaft sealing system allows the generator to remain permanently submerged, reducing maintenance requirements, operating costs and long-term operational risks. The compact, factory-assembled and tested design also simplifies building interfaces, minimizes space requirements and can significantly reduce the time, cost and risk associated with installation and commissioning. 3B – Navigating Hydropower Investment Tax Credits: From Eligibility to Compliance Location: Governor General Ballroom II Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) have become a key lever for financing hydropower development, modernization, and expansion in Canada. The rules are still complex and evolving, and many proponents are unsure how they apply to their projects. This session explains how hydropower projects can capture the incentives available to them and avoid costly missteps. Etienne Lecompte, Managing Director of LCAB, will give a practical overview of the current ITC landscape for hydropower. He draws on LCAB’s experience supporting clean energy developers through federal tax incentive programs. The session covers: – Available incentives: which credits apply to hydropower and how they interact – Eligibility: how to determine what qualifies at the project and cost level – Compliance: what’s required to claim and keep the credits, including labour requirements – Lessons learned: insights from projects already working through these programs This will be a short presentation supported by a Q&A session. 3C – MC-Monitoring: Advancing Hydropower Reliability Through Multi-Modal Condition Monitoring Location: Governor General Ballroom III Join François Berset, Sales Manager from WaterPower Canada member MC-monitoring SA as he explores how integrated, multi-modal condition monitoring is transforming the way hydropower operators diagnose and manage equipment health. Effective condition monitoring is essential to maximizing the reliability, performance, and lifespan of hydropower assets. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on separate systems for vibration, air gap, magnetic flux, and thermal monitoring, MC-monitoring’s CMS-500P Orca platform synchronizes multiple data streams into a single, unified database. This integrated approach enables real-time correlation of operating parameters, providing faster fault detection, more accurate diagnostics, and deeper insights into asset condition than single-technology solutions. Drawing on MC-monitoring’s experience supporting hydropower generating units ranging from 5 MW to 600 MW around the world, François will demonstrate how multi-modal condition monitoring can enhance maintenance strategies, improve operational reliability, and help utilities make more informed asset management decisions. |
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm | PLENARY LUNCHEON sponsored by Kiewit & GanotecLocation: Confederation BallroomEnjoy a networking lunch, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for this high-energy lunchtime plenary session. THE 2026 WPC DRAGONS’ DAM COMPETITION PRESENTED BY KIEWIT & GANOTEC Don’t miss the thrilling 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, Daniel Granger, Head of Commercial Operations at GE Vernova, Charles Lavigne, Operations Manager at Ganotec, and Vincent Mercier, Department Director of the Hydropower, Dams & Hydraulic Structures Teams at Kiewit — showcasing creativity and ingenuity in solving real-world engineering and energy challenges. Cheer on the next generation of innovators as they compete for top honors and exciting prizes, with the winners announced and recognized during the Awards Dinner on Thursday evening. Click here for more information on the WPC Dragons’ Dam Competition. |
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm |
Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor)NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW |
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 4Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I4A – Early generation in Rogun HPP Rogun HPP, in the Republic of Tajikistan, is one of the world’s most ambitious hydropower mega-projects. The development is centered around what will become the world’s highest earthfill dam with a clay core, reaching a final height of 335 m. To accelerate project benefits and support national energy supply, early power generation has been integrated into the overall development plan, requiring an innovative and carefully phased construction strategy. This presentation will highlight the major milestones, engineering challenges and construction phases that enabled power generation years before completion of the final dam. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II4B – Improving Monitoring by Looking Ahead During Pre-Construction Adaptive monitoring is a powerful tool to identify when environmental management intervention is needed. However, it requires sufficient baseline (pre-construction) data to develop the triggers or thresholds. In this session Carolyn Brown, Environmental Scientist and Toxicologist with Ecoreg Solutions, will discuss how fish populations can be used to create monitoring and forecast triggers, which can then drive decision-making in an adaptive monitoring program. She will use the Mactaquac Hydroelectric Generating Station as an example. NB Power has supported over a decade of research on the Wolastoq | Saint John River through the Mactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study, which Carolyn’s PhD was a part of. Stream C: Operations and Construction, Project Updates and Technological AdvancementsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III4C – CortAIx AI-Brain for Power Utilities: From Digital Readiness to Operational Intelligence Power utilities are increasingly exploring AI, predictive analytics and digital twins — but what needs to be in place before these technologies can deliver real operational value? Presented by Emmanuel Ngue, P.Eng., MMP, President & CEO of EN Solutions Hydro, this session will introduce “CortAIx AI-Brain”, an intelligence layer designed to connect existing utility systems such as SCADA, historians, ERP/EAM, GIS and maintenance platforms without replacing them. Cortex helps these systems work together more intelligently, extracting insights in seconds to explain what is happening, anticipate emerging risks and support faster operational decisions. Emmanuel will also present EN Solutions Hydro’s Power Utility Digital Maturity Assessment Framework, developed from its work with utilities and recently featured in its technical paper at HYDRO 2026 in Italy. The session will provide a practical roadmap for utilities to assess their readiness across areas such as O&M, asset management, systems integration, data availability, cybersecurity, workforce readiness and AI adoption — and identify the next steps toward operational AI. |
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | CONFERENCE TECHNICAL TRAININGLocation: Quebec (4th Floor)Investigate Stator Winding and Stator Core Failure Mechanisms; Review Repair Protocols, Acceptance Criteria, and Asset Management Strategy Join Inna Kremza, senior specialist at Voith Hydro North America as she discusses Stator winding and core failures that can occur in service and are often driven by factors that degrade the insulation system, including electrical stress, mechanical stress, and thermal exposure. In electrical machines, in-service stator failures can lead to significant downtime and repair costs. This short training session presents the importance of frequent inspections, having spare parts on hands, and a practical methodology for investigating failures, performing repairs, and conducting post-repair testing to minimize economic impact and extend equipment life. It also introduces an asset management strategy to support generation owners/operators in full life-cycle management. |
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm |
Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor)NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW |
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm | AFTERNOON PLENARY sponsored by AECOMLocation: Confederation BallroomRELIABILITY, REFORM, AND RISING DEMAND: THE FUTURE OF HYDRO IN NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICITY MARKETS As electricity demand accelerates across North America (driven by data centres, electrification, and industrial reshoring) grid operators and market designers are facing growing pressure to maintain reliability while enabling the transition to a cleaner energy future. This plenary brings together North America’s leading grid and market organizations to examine how electricity systems are performing under increasing stress and what reforms are needed to ensure markets remain reliable, resilient, and fit for purpose. The discussion will explore the implications of rising demand for capacity planning, the evolving role of transmission as a critical enabler of growth, and the market and regulatory changes required to support long-term investment. Join moderator Josée Guibord, President & CEO of Electricity Canada and panelists, Camilo Serna, SVP, External Engagement at North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Robby Sohi, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President of Markets & Reliability at Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and Aaron Engen, President & Chief Executive Officer at Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) as they consider the role of hydropower as a firm, dispatchable resource in integrated electricity markets and how regulatory frameworks and clean energy procurement processes must evolve to meet the pace and scale of the energy transition. |
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | LIGHTNING SESSIONS5A – Delivering Projects with Greater Predictability Through Project IntegrationLocation: Governor General Ballroom I Large-scale capital projects can present significant challenges as today’s projects have become increasingly complex and demanding. Owner organizations and project execution partners often find themselves working in silos, leading to potential gaps between engineering, procurement and project controls. This presentation introduces the project integration team and its strategic role in driving successful outcomes over the course of a project, in addition to delivering value and predictability to owner organizations. The project integration team acts as the focal point between the owner, the execution partners and other key stakeholders; delivering integrated reporting and standardized estimation, planning and risk processes aligned with industry best practices. Drawing on experience from the energy and resource sectors, attendees will gain practical insights into how this model can strengthen governance, improve stakeholder alignment, and support informed decision-making from project conception through execution. The session will demonstrate how an integrated delivery approach can enhance project predictability and increase confidence in achieving successful outcomes. Presenters: Anthony Martiniello, Chantalle Penalosa and Tino Sciortino, Techne PMC. 5B – From Forecast to Decision: How Theory-Guided AI Is Raising the Bar for Hydropower Operations Location: Governor General Ballroom II As climate volatility intensifies, hydropower operators are demanding more from their forecasting tools — greater accuracy during extreme events, longer planning horizons, and tighter integration with operational workflows. This session explores how the next generation of AI-driven streamflow forecasting is meeting that demand: combining multi-model ensemble architectures, probabilistic outputs, and expert hydrologic oversight to deliver forecasts operators can actually act on. Drawing on real-world deployments across North America, Alex Truby, Solutions Strategy Lead, North America, HydroForecast, will discuss what separates today’s most advanced solutions from legacy approaches and what operators should expect from forecasting technology in the years ahead. 5C – Extending Asset Life: Advancing Hydropower Rehabilitation, Bearing Monitoring, and Canadian Manufacturing Location: Governor General Ballroom III As hydroelectric assets age, operators face growing pressure to extend equipment life, improve reliability, and deliver complex rehabilitation projects safely. This session explores how Hydro Tech is addressing these challenges through specialized engineering, precision manufacturing, and field services. Drawing on real-world projects, the team will highlight turbine and generator rehabilitation capabilities – including on-site machining, unit alignment, and bearing troubleshooting – with a closer look at the technical innovations and safety considerations behind a major discharge ring replacement. The presentation will also explore custom load cell design, calibration, and retrofit solutions that support generator thrust bearing balancing, alignment, and continuous monitoring. Finally, Hydro Tech will introduce its launch of Canadian manufacturing of high-capacity PTFE thrust bearing pads, building on more than 20 years of bearing design experience to strengthen domestic supply and support the long-term reliability of hydroelectric assets. |
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: 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 “POWER-HOUR” NETWORKING RECEPTION sponsored by Voith Hydro (for all conference attendees)Location: Canadian Waterpower Week Trade Show | Conference Floor (4th Floor)After a full day, unwind and connect with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors over drinks and light refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a chance to continue conversations, spark new connections, and set the tone for the evening ahead before heading into the CWW Awards Dinner. |
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | CANADIAN WATERPOWER WEEK AWARDS DINNER presented by GE VernovaLocation: Confederation BallroomJoin us for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration at the CWW Awards Dinner. The evening will feature the presentation of the Woman of Hydropower Award (in partnership with Women in Renewable Energy), followed by the WPC WaveMaker Awards presented by Lorena Patterson, President & CEO of WaterPower Canada, honoring outstanding contributions and achievements across the waterpower sector. The winners of the 2026 WPC Dragons’ Dam competition will also be announced, recognizing the innovative projects and emerging leaders shaping the future of Canadian hydropower. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner while celebrating excellence in the industry. This special evening also 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 a time to celebrate achievements, strengthen relationships, and enjoy each other’s company in a warm and engaging setting. |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | BREAKFAST BUFFETLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:30 am – 9:30 am | MORNING PLENARYLocation: Confederation BallroomMAJOR PROJECTS: BUILDING CANADA’S NEXT GENERATION OF HYDROPOWER As electricity demand continues to grow across Canada, large-scale hydropower development is once again emerging as a critical component of the country’s clean energy future. This panel will bring together leaders from Canada’s major utilities to discuss the role of greenfield hydropower projects in supporting energy security, economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and decarbonization objectives. Join moderator Lorena Patterson and panelists Michael Ladha, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at NL Hydro, Laurent Bulota, Project Director, New Hydropower Developments and Pumped Storage Projects at Hydro-Quebec, Lindsay Melvin, Director Integrated Resource Planning at Manitoba Hydro, and Matt Sikstrom, Project Director at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as they explore the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing major projects, including project economics, financing, Indigenous partnerships, regulatory and permitting processes, and the role of federal and provincial governments in enabling development. The discussion will examine whether Canada is prepared to move forward with the next generation of hydropower investments and what actions are needed to turn long-term ambitions into reality. |
9:30 am – 10:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
10:00 am – 10:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 6Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I6A – Importance of a Labour Strategy to Mitigate Risk and Support Project Success Labour productivity and workforce availability are among the greatest challenges facing Canada’s major infrastructure and hydropower projects. While labour can account for a significant portion of the total cost of a major project, the benefits of labour risk management are often underestimated. This session will explore how a comprehensive Labour Strategy can help proponents improve productivity, reduce cost, and mitigate schedule risk, while enhancing project success. David Clark, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark, and Scott O’Brien, Project Director – Hydro Projects at AtkinsRéalis will outline a collaborative, three-phase approach that integrates labour risk management and optimization of labour opportunities into project planning, procurement and contracts management and construction execution. Attendees will gain practical insights into engaging contractors, unions, and Indigenous partners while implementing labour risk management practices that support successful project delivery and long-term workforce sustainability. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II6B- Collaborating with Indigenous Communities in Environmental Monitoring: Lessons Learned, Challenges and Opportunities Join Pierre-Olivier Côté, Team Leader, Natural Environment Eastern at BBA Consultants, as he discusses collaboration with Indigenous communities becoming an essential component of environmental monitoring and assessment programs. While often viewed primarily as a means of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into environmental studies, meaningful collaboration can offer benefits that extend well beyond data collection. Drawing on examples from projects across Québec, this session will share practical lessons learned from working alongside Indigenous communities through a variety of collaboration models, from project-specific monitoring programs to long-term partnerships. Particular attention will be given to the complementary roles of scientific methods and Indigenous knowledge, and to the challenges that can arise when different ways of understanding and experiencing the environment intersect. Participants will explore how these perspectives can inform one another and contribute to more robust and locally relevant environmental programs. Success factors and common challenges will be discussed, including capacity building, resource availability, project flexibility, and the importance of establishing trust over time. Beyond environmental outcomes, the presentation will highlight broader benefits such as knowledge sharing, local involvement, social acceptability, and relationship building. Attendees will gain practical insights into how meaningful collaboration can strengthen environmental programs while supporting more effective and inclusive resource development. The session will offer reflections for project proponents, consultants, regulators, and Indigenous partners seeking to build stronger and more productive working relationships. Stream C: Operations and Construction, Project Updates and Technological AdvancementsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III6C – Harnessing Solutions-Based Thinking to Rejuvenate Kakabeka Falls Generating Station Originally commissioned in 1906, Ontario Power Generation’s Kakabeka Falls Generating Station is being redeveloped to provide reliable, renewable electricity for generations to come. This session will explore how a collaborative delivery model between OPG, SGJV, KGS, and Hatch is driving engineering solutions that enhance constructability, improve public safety and environmental outcomes, and preserve the station’s historic legacy. Join Nicolas Lalonde, Senior Project Manager (SGJV), Lonny Tulk, Project Director (Ontario Power Generation), Robert Elder, P. Eng., Project Manager (KGS Group), and Jonathan Atkinson, Director, Business Development (Hatch), as they share lessons learned from the project’s front-end design and ongoing construction, highlighting how early collaboration and solutions-based thinking are helping deliver a more efficient, resilient, and cost-effective redevelopment. |
10:45 am – 11:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
11:00 am – 11:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 7Stream A: Planning, Reliability, Policy and Regulatory AffairsLocation: Governor General Ballroom I7A – Integrating Variable Renewable Energy Sources: Operational Challenges for Quebec’s Future Energy System Join Peggy Trousseau, a Hydraulic Engineer in charge of the Production Planning and Energy Transition Team at Hydro-Québec, as she explores the operational challenges associated with integrating large-scale wind, solar, and hydropower resources into Québec’s evolving electricity grid. As Hydro-Québec plans to integrate 10,000 MW of new wind energy capacity by 2035, the operational dynamics of the power system are rapidly changing. Drawing on future modelling and operational analyses, this session will examine the growing need for flexibility in maintenance planning, grid operations, market coordination, and dispatch strategies to maintain the reliability and the efficiency of a system with a growing penetration of variable renewable energy. Attendees will gain insights into how utilities are adapting hydropower operations and developing new strategies to support a reliable, resilient, and sustainable clean energy future. Stream B: Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Affairs and Indigenous RelationsLocation: Governor General Ballroom II7B- From Commitments to Implementation: Environmental Mitigation in Practice This session provides a comprehensive look into the practical execution and monitoring of environmental mitigation measures for recent hydro developments. Attendees will gain insight into key project overviews with a focus on targeted species and habitat protection, specifically addressing fish compensation measures, avian conservation efforts, and wetland protection and restoration. The discussion will highlight strategies for maintaining alignment with Environmental Assessment (EA) commitments and robust regulatory compliance monitoring. Concluding with valuable lessons learned from real-world field operations, this session provides insight into the extensive efforts necessary to achieve environmental compliance when developing new hydro power. Stream C: Operations and Construction, Project Updates and Technological AdvancementsLocation: Governor General Ballroom III7C – Securing the Workforce Required to Enable Hydro Development The Government of Canada is undertaking one of the most ambitious workforce development programs in Canada’s history. Learn more from EHRC about how your firm can benefit from these opportunities. |
11:45 am – 12:00 pm | LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | LIGHTNING SESSIONS7B – Continued Location: Governor General Ballroom II |
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm | PLENARY LUNCHEON sponsored by EN Solutions HydroLocation: Confederation BallroomELECTRICITY ASSOCIATIONS WEIGHT IN: REPORT CARD ON GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES TO BUILD BIG THINGS Join speakers Lorena Patterson, President & CEO at WaterPower Canada, George Christidis, President and CEO at Canadian Nuclear Association, Josée Guibord, President & CEO at Electricity Canada and Michelle Branigan, CEO at EHRC in this informal fireside chat conversation, as they weigh in on advances so far, areas of concern, and potential gaps. Where do we expect investment dollars to first be deployed, and are the changes already announced likely to result in shorter development timeframes for industry? |
1:45 pm | CONFERENCE CLOSING REMARKSLocation: Confederation BallroomHYDROPOWER – HARNESSING OPPORTUNITY: HYDROPOWER’S NEXT GENERATION As the 2026 Canadian Waterpower Week draws to a close, 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 and offer closing notes of thanks on behalf of WaterPower Canada. |
2:00 pm | CONFERENCE CONCLUDED |
2:00 pm – 4:00 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!
Lightning Sessions
Dedicated sessions for sharing WPC member knowledge and insights
New to Canadian Waterpower Week, the Lightning Sessions stream features a series of curated 30-minute breakout sessions designed for maximum impact in minimal time.
This dynamic, fast-paced format creates fresh opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate. Sessions will include new member spotlights, lightning talks, interactive roundtables, and Ask Me Anything (AMA) discussions. Whether you’re seeking quick insights, practical skills, expert perspectives, or meaningful peer exchange, these sessions are built to deliver focused, actionable takeaways – keeping you energized and engaged throughout the conference.
Spaces are limited. Secure your spot today, expand your network, and be part of the conversation. Become a WPC member and dive in.
Sessions are subject to availability.
Meet the Regulator – Exclusive One-on-One Meetings
The “Meet the Regulator” program offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with key Canadian regulatory agencies.
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.
Agencies will be announced soon and applications will open in Spring 2026 — subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when submissions begin!
Past Program
While we’re hard at work developing an exciting new program, please revisit and explore recent Canadian Waterpower Week Programs and Speakers.