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 May

Niagara Falls Convention Centre

C&D Ballroom, 6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3Y9

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

8:00 - 10:00 AM (EDT)

**Please Note: OWWA Conference registration is required in order to attend this Downstream event.

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.

Downstream was an awesome event to meet water industry leaders, current water sector students and other young professionals. This event demonstrated that there is no single pathway for working in the water sector and that many opportunities exist.

It was a wonderful experience to share with students focused on water research, hydrological science, ecology, biogeochemical science, and public policy and management. I personally enjoyed my interactions with the students that joined me to learn about industrial, commercial, and institutional water efficiency in Canada and I look forward to seeing how this experience positively influences their career path moving forward.

Participating in the Downstream event allowed me to connect with the water leadership future. It was exciting to meet these leaders who will be tackling the water challenges we are unable to solve today. I look forward to continuing the conversation as they move into the workforce.

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 [email protected]

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.

Interested in becoming an expert? Contact Corinne Lynds at [email protected]

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.