Ready, Set, Network!

Downstream brings current and future water professionals together to connect, bridge the skills gap, and drive clean water solutions for Canadians.
Upcoming Events
Event in April
Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant, Toronto
9 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M9
April 8, 2025
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EST)
Special opportunity to tour Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of Canada’s largest and oldest facilities, located in Toronto’s east end.
Event in April
Event Location
Ashbridges Bay, Toronto
April 8, 2025
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How does Downstream work?
Early career professionals and students are invited by program directors and industry organizations in partnership with Water Canada magazine to attend a 2-3 hour event that provides the opportunity to learn from and network with experts representing different streams of Canada’s water sector. The event features micro-sessions: roundtable discussions led by experienced water professionals, where students participate in focused conversations addressing three key questions related to the table’s specific topic:
- What are the trends in this stream?
- What are the challenges?
- What are the opportunities for early career professionals?
Students cycle from table to table, engaging with experts from various sectors, asking questions about career opportunities, and building connections to help launch their careers.
How do students benefit from Downstream?
- Students come away with key contacts and information that provides direction and opportunities for career growth
- A better understanding of potential career paths that are available to them
- Opportunity to connect with other early career professionals
How do industry professionals benefit from Downstream?
- Industry professionals (AKA “experts”) get early access to emerging talent, helping to identify and recruit top candidates.
- Serving as mentors enhances experts’ own leadership and communication skills while reinforcing commitment to supporting the industry’s growth.
- Supporting and engaging with students aligns with organizational goals related to social responsibility, addressing the “S” in ESG by investing in community and workforce development.








Partners
Thank You to our Downstream Partners!
Partner with Downstream to help close the skills gap!
Sponsoring Downstream is more than just an investment—it’s an opportunity to drive real change in Canada’s water sector. As a sponsor, you’ll take action to help close the skills gap while positioning your organization as a changemaker across Water Canada’s print, digital, and experiential platforms.
- Gain early access to Canada’s top emerging talent and insights into attracting and retaining early career professionals.
- Join a vibrant community of post-secondary institutions, private sector businesses, industry associations, and government initiatives, all working together to shape the future of water.
- Plus, it’s a meaningful ESG investment, allowing you to demonstrate your social commitment to the Canadian water industry while addressing the “S” in your ESG responsibilities.
For more information on sponsoring Downstream, contact Vanessa Watson at vanessa@actualmedia.ca
Experts Directory
Downstream events thrive thanks to our expert volunteers. These experienced water industry professionals share valuable insights into diverse roles across the sector, from drinking water and wastewater to stormwater, conservation, and beyond. Representing municipalities, Indigenous communities, clean tech, academia, consulting, and more, they help participants identify opportunities, offer tailored advice, and inspire meaningful connections.
Meet the experts by browsing our Experts Directory.

Natasha Pozega
Water Conservation Coordinator,
City of Cornwall
Natasha Pozega is the Water Conservation Coordinator for the City of Cornwall, where she spearheads initiatives focused on sustainable water management, including projects like universal water metering and AMI implementation, and promoting drinking water quality. Beyond her professional role, she is deeply engaged in the Cornwall community, actively participating in and organizing events such as the Cornwall Triathlon. Her combined expertise in environmental sustainability and community engagement makes her a valuable contributor to discussions on water conservation and local development.

Cathie O’Toole
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO),
Halifax Regional Municipality
Cathie O’Toole is the General Manager of Halifax Water and prior to that was Halifax Water’s Director of Corporate Services/CFO. Cathie has held senior roles such as Director of Finance/CFO and Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management with the Halifax Regional Municipality, and most of her career has been in the public sector and government business enterprises. As member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Cathie enjoys contributing to the community and water industry through volunteering and serving on Boards. She currently serves on the American Water

Karissa Aubie
Acting Manager, Wastewater Section,
Environment Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Karissa Aubie is a Project Manager at the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), where she oversees water and wastewater infrastructure projects. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Trent University and a Master of Science in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University. Karissa is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her expertise includes environmental compliance, project management, and sustainable water management practices.

Emily Stahl
Manager of Technical Services,
City of Guelph’s Water Utility
Emily Stahl is the Manager, Technical Services in the City of Guelph’s Water Utility. In this role she is responsible for the technical team that supports the operational division. This includes management of capital programs, hydrogeology, water supply management and planning and sourcewater Protection. As Guelph is reliant on groundwater for their municipal water supply these roles ensure the long term sustainability and protection of the resource. Emily is a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) with a Masters in Water Resources Engineering possessing significant government and private consulting based experience in integrated water management, water resource planning, source water protection and associated technical studies and stakeholder engagement processes. Her experience has included working is both the private and public (municipal and conservation authorities) sectors.
Interested in becoming an expert? Contact Corinne Lynds at corinne@actualmedia.ca
Get Involved
Getting involved with Downstream is a truly rewarding experience. By paying it forward to the next generation, you’ll help shape the future of Canada’s water sector. Whether you’re recruiting the brightest minds or simply sharing your journey, spending time with these future leaders is both energizing and impactful. Experts and students alike leave inspired and motivated, discovering new opportunities to collaborate and drive meaningful change.
There are four ways you can get involved with Downstream:
- Register as a student or early career professional and attend an Upcoming Event (link).
- Volunteer as an industry expert.
- Host a Downstream event on your campus or at an industry conference.
- Partner with us as a sponsor to drive change in Canada’s water sector by closing the skills gap, accessing top emerging talent, and positioning your organization as a leader committed to shaping the future of water.
Past Events
Contact Us
Volunteer as an expert: corinne@actualmedia.ca
Sponsor Downstream: vanessa@actualmedia.ca
Host an event: corinne@actualmedia.ca