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 – 3:00 pm | PRE-CONFERENCE TRAININGLocation: 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 – 3:00 pm* | GLOBAL POWER UTILITY FORUMLocation: The Westin Ottawa (4th Floor)AI, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN POWER GENERATION Power utilities around the world are facing common challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce transitions, increasing reliability expectations, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence. This interactive forum brings together utility leaders from Canada and internationally to exchange practical experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in hydropower asset management and digital transformation. Led by WaterPower Canada member EN Solutions Hydro, the session will feature practical demonstrations of TGM Expert, an AI-powered asset management platform for hydropower and power utilities, including Cortex, its AI intelligence engine supporting maintenance, operations, reliability, and decision-making. The forum will conclude with an open panel discussion featuring representatives from leading Canadian and international utilities including Ontario Power Generation (Canada), Bruce Power (Canada), Bui Power Authority (Ghana), Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL) (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and additional international utility representatives, who will share perspectives on maintenance best practices, asset management, operational excellence, AI adoption, and the future of digital transformation in the utility sector. 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. *Please note: The session time and speakers are preliminary and subject to change as details are finalized. |
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN sponsored by BBALocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | WATERPOWER CANADA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)Location: The Westin Ottawa |
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITOR MOVE-INLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | WATERPOWER CANADA WELCOME RECEPTION sponsored by EnerServ (for all conference attendees)Location: Mill Street Brew Pub, 555 Wellington Street. OttawaKick off Canadian Waterpower Week by getting to know your peers in a relaxed setting filled with music, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. This is a great chance for all CWW attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and invited guests to come together to network and catch up with industry colleagues, make new friends, create valuable connections, and celebrate our shared commitment to sustainable waterpower and our clean energy future. Mingle with WPC Members and Government Representatives and chat about the future of waterpower all while taking in the breath-taking views of Generating Station No. 2 (today an asset of Portage Power) that holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest operating hydroelectric station. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time friend of WPC, this exclusive gathering helps set the stage for the impactful discussions that will take place throughout the week. Make sure to add this valuable networking experience to your conference schedule! |
7:00 am – 7:00 pm | REGISTRATION OPEN sponsored by BBALocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
7:30 am – 8:30 am | BREAKFAST BUFFETLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
8:30 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. Speakers will also 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 1 |
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 2 |
11:45 am – 12:00 pm | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | LIGHTNING SESSIONS |
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 — 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 4 |
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm |
Location: Conference Floor (4th Floor)NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOW |
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm | AFTERNOON PLENARYLocation: 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 senior executives from 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. Panelists will also 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 SESSIONS |
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 – 9:45 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. Panelists will 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. |
9:45 am – 10:00 am | NETWORKING BREAK & VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
10:00 am – 10:45 am | CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION 5 |
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 6 |
11:45 am – 12:00 pm | LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE TRADE SHOWLocation: Conference Floor (4th Floor) |
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | LIGHTNING SESSIONS |
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm | PLENARY LUNCHEONLocation: Confederation BallroomTHE IMPACT OF AI ON THE CLEAN ELECTRICITY SECTOR (OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS) Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the electricity sector, moving from a future consideration to a core tool in grid operations, asset management, demand forecasting, and infrastructure planning. This plenary will bring together utility leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to explore how AI is helping organizations optimize system performance, accelerate the energy transition, and manage growing operational complexity, while also examining the challenges it presents. The session will address critical issues including data sovereignty, cybersecurity, workforce transformation, and the growing electricity demand associated with AI infrastructure such as data centres and compute clusters, providing delegates with a balanced perspective on the opportunities and risks AI presents for Canada’s clean electricity future. |
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.