Ottawa, ON, October 21, 2026 – As Canada looks to strengthen its energy security, grow its economy and meet rising electricity demand, industry leaders, policymakers and innovators will gather in Ottawa for Canadian Waterpower Week 2026, October 28–30.
Hosted by WaterPower Canada under the theme “Harnessing Opportunity: Hydropower’s Next Generation,” the national conference and trade show will explore the investments, policies and partnerships needed to develop and modernize Canada’s hydropower infrastructure. As the country’s largest source of electricity, hydropower has a central role to play in meeting Canada’s future energy needs.
Who:
WaterPower Canada, the national voice of Canada’s hydropower industry, welcomes senior utility executives, government officials, policymakers, regulators, Indigenous and community partners, and industry innovators.
When:
October 28-30, 2026
Where:
The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
What:
This year’s program will feature discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing Canada’s electricity sector, including:
- Hydropower and Canada’s Strategic Advantage: Federal leaders and policy experts will discuss hydropower’s role in energy security and economic competitiveness, and the reforms needed to accelerate development.
- Reliability, Reform, and Rising Demand: Representatives from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) will examine grid reliability, growing electricity demand and the future of North American electricity markets.
- Major Projects: Building Canada’s Next Generation of Hydropower: Leaders from NL Hydro, Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro and Ontario Power Generation will discuss opportunities and challenges in advancing major hydropower projects.
- Report Card on Government’s Initiatives to Build Big Things: National electricity association leaders will assess government initiatives aimed at accelerating infrastructure investment and project development.
The conference will also feature technical sessions, a trade show, networking opportunities, industry awards, and the WPC Dragons’ Dam student innovation competition, featuring finalist teams from the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of British Columbia.
View the full conference program.
Media Accreditation:
Members of the media interested in attending, covering conference sessions or arranging interviews with industry leaders are invited to contact Paula Gray (details below) by Oct 28th.
About WaterPower Canada (WPC):
WaterPower Canada is the national voice of Canada’s waterpower industry. As a not-for-profit trade association, WPC represents members across the sector, including hydropower producers, manufacturers and developers, who collectively account for over 95% of Canada’s waterpower capacity. The association advocates for the sustainable development and use of waterpower to meet Canada’s current and future energy needs.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Paula Gray
Senior Director of Communications, WaterPower Canada
613-608-8155
paula@waterpowercanada.ca