Guest blog by Kiewit
For 85 years, Kiewit has helped deliver the infrastructure that powers communities, supports economic growth and connects Canadians from coast to coast. From transportation networks and industrial facilities to energy projects and waterpower developments, our work has always been rooted in building a stronger future.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary in 2026, we’re reflecting not only on the projects we’ve helped deliver, but also on the people who made them possible.
Throughout our history in Canada, Kiewit and its subsidiary Ganotec have contributed to major hydroelectric and energy projects, from the James Bay Hydroelectric Complex in the 1970s to the recently completed Little Long Dam Safety and Smoky Falls projects. Our success has always been made possible by talented people willing to embrace challenges, think creatively and turn ambitious ideas into reality.
Building the Future Starts with Talent
Canada’s waterpower sector plays a critical role in delivering reliable, renewable energy. As demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for skilled professionals who can help design, construct and maintain the infrastructure required to support it.
Across our industry, contractors and designers have access to many of the same tools, technology and equipment. At Kiewit, we believe it’s our people who make the difference. Attracting, developing and retaining exceptional talent is essential not only to our success, but to the future of Canada’s waterpower industry.
Creating opportunities for students to engage directly with industry leaders is one way to inspire future careers and demonstrate the impact they can have on Canada’s energy future.
Why WPC Dragons’ Dam Matters
WPC Dragons’ Dam gives post-secondary students the opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, present their recommendations to industry experts and receive real-world feedback.
The competition challenges participants to think critically, collaborate effectively and communicate with confidence, all skills essential for success in today’s infrastructure and energy industries. It also gives students exposure to industry leaders and potential career paths while providing organizations like Kiewit and Ganotec an opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent.
More Than a Sponsorship
When WaterPower Canada launched the inaugural WPC Dragons’ Dam competition in 2025, Kiewit and Ganotec were proud to support the program and participate as members of the Dragons’ panel.
The competition quickly demonstrated its value, bringing together talented students from across Canada for innovation, collaboration and industry engagement. Its success highlighted both the importance of bridging the gap between the classroom and workplace and the enthusiasm the next generation is bringing to Canada’s waterpower industry.
That’s why we’re honoured to continue supporting Dragons’ Dam in 2026. Our participation goes beyond sponsorship. Serving as Dragons allows our team members to engage directly with students, evaluate innovative ideas and share practical insights from real-world project experience. Students gain industry perspective, while our teams benefit from fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.
Programs like WPC Dragons’ Dam help cultivate the talent pipeline our industry depends on while inspiring future leaders to pursue careers in clean energy, infrastructure and waterpower development.
Looking Ahead
As Kiewit celebrates 85 years in Canada, we are proud of the legacy we’ve built through the projects, partnerships and communities we’ve helped support. But this milestone isn’t just about looking back at what we’ve accomplished. It’s about investing in the people who will define what’s possible for the next 85 years.
Supporting initiatives like WPC Dragons’ Dam is one way we can help foster that future while continuing to strengthen an industry we care deeply about.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with WaterPower Canada and look forward to celebrating innovation, learning from tomorrow’s leaders and connecting with industry colleagues from across the country.
If you’re attending Canadian Waterpower Week 2026, we invite you to stop by Kiewit | Ganotec VIP Exhibitor Booth #1 to meet our team, learn more about our work and join us in celebrating 85 years of building Canada and investing in its future.
About Kiewit | Ganotec
For 85 years, Kiewit has helped build and strengthen Canada’s infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors. Together with Ganotec, Kiewit continues to deliver complex projects across North America while supporting workforce development, innovation and initiatives that help advance Canada’s future.