Ready, Set, Network!

Water Canada’s Downstream brings current and future generations of water industry professionals together to foster connections, close the skills gap, and accelerate the development and implementation of clean water solutions for Canadians.

Upcoming Events

Event in April

Event Location

Ashbridges Bay, Toronto

April 8, 2025

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Event in April

Event Location

Ashbridges Bay, Toronto

April 8, 2025

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

What's Downstream?

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!

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:

  1. Register as a student or early career professional and attend an Upcoming Event (link).
  2. Volunteer as an industry expert.
  3. Host a Downstream event on your campus or at an industry conference.
  4. 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