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 [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.

Kalpna Solanki
President and CEO,
Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP)
Kalpna Solanki is a leader with a passion for building high performance teams. Focusing on strategy, culture, and purpose, she believes that all organizations have the potential of going from ‘good’ to ‘great’.
Currently, she is President and CEO of the Environmental Operators Certification Program, Canada’s first water and wastewater facility classification and Environmental Operator certification program.
Kalpna also has significant board experience, and currently sits on two boards.
With a focus on her own well-being, in her spare time, you will find Kalpna kayaking, cycling, or hiking with her three dogs, and on the slopes in the winter.

Ryan Sorichetti
Great Lakes Ecologist,
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Dr. Ryan Sorichetti is a Great Lakes Ecologist and Research Scientist for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. His work is focused on Great Lakes nearshore water quality and leads special focus projects and scientific reporting on shoreline areas undergoing changes, or with impairments, in water quality. Ryan completed his PhD at Western University in aquatic sciences with a focus on trace metals (iron) limitation on cyanobacterial growth in lakes and has continued research interest in biogeochemical nutrient cycling, algal physiology and taxonomy, lake physical processes and climate change science.

Kate Schwartz
Field Technician,
The River Institute
Kate Schwartz is a Research Assistant and Biologist at the River Institute, with a lifelong passion for environmental science and education. Her journey began at age 11 when she attended the Institute’s “Ecofriends” day camp, fostering her interest in nature. She progressed to the Junior Scientist camp and, by 16, joined the River Institute as a summer intern. Over the years, Kate has contributed to various research projects, often leading field crews in activities such as seine netting and water quality assessments. She also shares her enthusiasm for the natural world through educational initiatives, including nature journaling sessions and workshops on water quality monitoring.

Keegan Smith
Project Manager,
Water First Education & Training Inc.
As a Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator at Water First, Keegan spends most of his time planning and delivering water science workshops in Indigenous communities in Canada. Keegan has been working in water science for 8 years, in academic research support and for an NGO. Keegan holds an M.Sc. in Geography from Carleton University.

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.
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.
Past Events
Contact Us
Volunteer as an expert: [email protected]
Sponsor Downstream: [email protected]
Host an event: [email protected]