Proclamation recognizes hydropower’s historic and ongoing contribution to the capital region and Canada
Ottawa, ON, October 15, 2025 – The City of Ottawa has officially proclaimed October 16, 2025, as Canadian Waterpower Day, recognizing hydropower’s foundational role in the capital region’s history and its essential contribution to Canada’s clean energy future.
The date commemorates the inauguration of the Grand Chaudière Dam on October 16, 1868, a landmark moment in Canada’s industrial development. Today, hydropower remains the backbone of Canada’s electricity system, generating over 60 per cent of the nation’s power and supporting the transition to net zero.
“We are grateful to the City of Ottawa for this proclamation,” said Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada. “Ottawa’s history is deeply connected to the power of the Ottawa River. From the mills and industries that built this city to the clean electricity that powers it today, hydropower has been, and continues to be, essential to our region’s prosperity and Canada’s energy security.”
“This proclamation reminds us of our region’s deep hydroelectric heritage and Portage Power is proud to uphold a legacy that includes facilities generating clean power for more than a century,” said Guillaume Paradis, Chief Operating Officer, Distribution and Generation, Hydro Ottawa Group. “As stewards of this inheritance, we are committed to ensuring a continuous, clean power supply that powers a bright, sustainable future for our community.”
The proclamation comes as WaterPower Canada launches the inaugural Canadian Waterpower Day, a sector-wide initiative to raise awareness of hydropower’s role in Canada’s past, present and future. The organization has released an amplification kit with visuals, messaging and resources for members, allies and the public to engage online.
Hydropower provides more renewable electricity than all other sources combined in Canada. It is one of the most reliable and affordable forms of energy, supporting jobs, regional development and energy security while advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities and enabling Canada’s path to net zero.
Canadian Waterpower Day is an industry-led initiative to celebrate Canada’s largest source of renewable electricity. Held annually on October 16, the day marks the anniversary of the Grand Chaudière Dam inauguration and highlights hydropower’s ongoing contribution to clean energy, economic development and climate action.
About WaterPower Canada
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 more than 95 per cent 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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Media Contact:
Paula Gray, Director of Communications, WaterPower Canada, 613-608-8155, paula@waterpowercanada.ca