Thursday, March 26, 2026
Newfoundland’s 2026 Operator of the Year Awards were announced on March 25 at the annual Water and Wastewater Workshop held in Gander, Nfld.
Provincial minister of environment, conservation and climate change Chris Tibbs presented awards for Small Operator of the Year to Derrick Seward of the Town of Hants Harbour and the Operator of the Year award to Philip Genneaux of the Town of Port Saunders.
“I am pleased to recognize the invaluable contributions of regional and municipal water and wastewater operators in our province. I want to extend my congratulations to Mr. Derrick Seward and Mr. Philip Genneaux for receiving the 2026 Operator of the Year Awards. This government looks forward to working with water and wastewater operators to build more reliable infrastructure and to improve municipal water supply. Together, we will build stronger communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for all of us,” Tibbs said.
Seward received his award for “demonstrating proficiency in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the town’s water system to ensure it is operating at the highest standard,” a government of Newfoundland and Labrador release said.
Genneaux was recognized for 23 years of service and leadership, “including his efforts during the town’s State of Emergency in 2024, which was critical to protecting and restoring essential water services for the community.”
Criteria for the awards include working towards or achieving certification, participation in education and training opportunities, demonstrating leadership, providing support to other workers and extra work to serve the community, the release said.
The workshop provides approximately 250 to 300 participants, including water system operators and owners, expert guest speakers, and municipal leaders, with technical information on the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, the release added.
