Ottawa hosts Canadian Waterpower Week as hydropower takes centre stage on energy security

Canadian Waterpower Week 2026 opened in Ottawa on October 28, bringing industry leaders, policymakers and innovators together for three days of talks on developing and modernizing Canada's hydropower infrastructure as electricity demand rises and energy security draws attention.

The event

Hosted by WaterPower Canada, the national conference and trade show runs October 28-30 at the Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, under the theme 'Harnessing Opportunity: Hydropower's Next Generation.'

Attendees include senior utility executives, government officials, policymakers, regulators, Indigenous and community partners, and industry innovators, according to the organizer.

On the agenda

The program covers hydropower's role in energy security and economic competitiveness, and the reforms needed to accelerate development. Another focus is reliability, reform and rising demand, with representatives of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) taking part.

Hydropower is Canada's largest source of electricity, the organizer says, and has a central role in meeting the country's future electricity needs; the event will explore the investments, policies and partnerships needed to develop and modernize hydropower infrastructure.

Background

Canadian Waterpower Week is the national hydropower industry's annual gathering, organized by WaterPower Canada, which describes itself as the national voice of Canada's hydropower industry. The 2026 edition was previewed in a media advisory on October 21 and opened on October 28.