More than 400 attendees gathered in Ottawa to advance the conversation on Canada’s hydropower priorities
Ottawa, ON, November 2, 2026 – Canadian Waterpower Week 2026 highlighted the opportunity to build on Canada’s largest source of electricity as the country responds to growing demand and pursues major infrastructure development. Held in Ottawa from October 28 to 30, the conference brought together more than 400 attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers and experts, under the theme Harnessing Opportunity: Hydropower’s Next Generation.
Over three days, delegates examined how new development and investment in existing facilities can strengthen Canada’s energy security and economic competitiveness. Discussions addressed the financing, Indigenous partnerships, regulatory processes and workforce capacity needed to move projects forward while maintaining the reliable electricity supply Canadians depend on.
“This year’s conference underscored the importance of hydropower to Canada’s future and the work required to realize its potential,” said Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada. “We have opportunities to develop major new projects and modernize the facilities that have served Canadians for generations. Advancing that work will require long-term investment, strong Indigenous partnerships and a policy and regulatory environment that supports timely project delivery.”
Contributions from federal officials, including Drew Leyburne of Natural Resources Canada and Terence Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, brought the policy and permitting dimensions into focus. Representatives from NL Hydro, Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro and Ontario Power Generation discussed the practical considerations shaping major hydropower investments, including project economics and financing.
Hydropower’s value also extends beyond the electricity it generates. A pre-conference workshop organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) examined the operational changes, equipment upgrades and financing needed to support its growing role in providing flexibility as wind and solar generation expand.
Representatives from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Alberta Electric System Operator considered hydropower’s role in maintaining reliability as electricity demand rises, alongside transmission needs and electricity market reform. Discussions across the conference also addressed environmental monitoring with Indigenous communities, facility modernization and workforce development. Leaders from the Canadian Nuclear Association, Electricity Canada and Electricity Human Resources Canada assessed progress on federal efforts to accelerate major infrastructure projects and the implications for development timelines.
The conference recognized the people and organizations contributing to the sector’s future at the October 29 Awards Dinner, presented by GE Vernova. The 2026 WPC WaveMaker Award recipients were:
- Hydropower Innovation Excellence Award: Hydro-Québec’s PRISM project.
- Canadian Waterpower Achievement Award: Emmanuel Ngue, President and CEO of EN Solutions Hydro.
- Community Impact Award: Développement PEK.
- Indigenous Reconciliation & Partnership Award: Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Michel Letellier, former President and CEO of Innergex.
Terry Oswell received the 2026 Woman of Hydropower Award, presented in partnership with Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE).
The 2026 WPC Dragons’ Dam competition, presented by Kiewit and Ganotec, recognized the next generation of hydropower innovators. Team Streamline from the University of Toronto, comprising Ella Walsh, Dheekshitha Palanikumar, Abanoub Bashara and Serena Zhang, took first place. Astrid Gultom of Team Lockedin from the University of British Columbia placed second, followed by Team I Eat Trees from the University of Waterloo, comprising Dexter Maccall, Matt Fan and Terry Hou, in third. The finalists presented their solutions to industry judges Charles Lavigne, Vincent Mercier and Daniel Granger.
As Canada prepares to meet growing electricity needs, hydropower offers both a foundation to build on and opportunities for new capacity. WaterPower Canada will continue working with governments, Indigenous partners and industry to advance development and modernization, ensuring Canadians continue to benefit from hydropower’s unique strengths: clean, renewable, reliable and affordable electricity.
About WaterPower Canada
WaterPower Canada is the national voice of Canada’s waterpower industry. As a not-for-profit trade association, WPC represents producers, manufacturers and developers who collectively account for more than 95 per cent of Canada’s waterpower capacity. The association advocates for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet Canada’s current and future energy needs.
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Media Contact
Paula Gray, Senior Director of Communications, WaterPower Canada, 613-608-8155, paula@waterpowercanada.ca
Photos available:
Select photos from Canadian Waterpower Week 2026 are available for download.