Who is the Next Generation of Water Leadership? 40 Under 40 is Back with a Twist

The search for Canada’s most promising industrial leaders has returned, and this year, the spotlight is finally shining directly on the water sector.

For the past seven years, the 40 Under 40 awards program has been an iconic benchmark for leadership in Canadian construction. But as our infrastructure evolves and the challenges of resource management, climate resilience, and clean water access become more pressing, the program’s organizers—SitePartners and SiteMedia—recognized that “industry” is a much bigger tent than it used to be.

The Twist: Water Professionals in the Spotlight

In a major shift for 2026, the program has rebranded to 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders. For the first time, nominations are being explicitly encouraged from sectors that drive our economy and sustain our communities—specifically mining, energy, and water.

“We have spent years highlighting just one major pillar of Canada’s diverse industrial sector,” said SiteNews editor Russell Hixson. “But the impact other sectors… have on the economy are seismic. We felt it was time our brothers and sisters in these industrial careers got the spotlight as well.”

For the Water Canada community, this is a call to action. From the engineers designing the next generation of wastewater treatment plants to the innovators protecting our watersheds and the project managers delivering critical municipal infrastructure—your work is industrial leadership in its purest form.

Why You Should Nominate

The water sector is often the “silent service,” but the young professionals within it are tackling some of the most complex engineering and environmental hurdles in the country. This award is an opportunity to:

• Validate Excellence: Provide national recognition for the young leaders making a tangible difference in water security.
• Elevate the Sector: Show the broader industrial community the high level of talent and innovation occurring in water.
• Build Connections: Winners gain access to a network of Canada’s top-tier industrial professionals and an invitation to an exclusive winner’s reception.

What Kind of Person is a Good Fit?

The judges are looking for top young professionals (39 or younger) who have:

• Led major initiatives or pioneered new technical approaches.
• Presided over significant growth within their organization.
• Given back to the sector through mentorship or advocacy.
• Demonstrated a clear “leadership pedigree” and impact on the industry.

Past honourees have included engineers, executives, project managers, and technology innovators—roles that are the backbone of the water industry.

How to Nominate

Do you know a young leader who is shaping the future of water in Canada? Or perhaps you are one yourself?

The nomination process is simple:

1. Eligibility: Nominees must be professionals in the industrial sector (including water/environment), 39 years or younger, and currently working in Canada.
2. Submit: Details must be submitted through the official 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders website.
3. Self-Nominations: You are encouraged to nominate yourself or a deserving colleague. Multiple nominations are also permitted.

Let’s ensure the water sector is well-represented among Canada’s top 40. Help us find the innovators who are ensuring our most precious resource is managed by the best and brightest.

Submit your nomination HERE.