WC142 MayJune 2025 - Magazine - Page 36
DOWNSTREAM
Inspiring Future Water Leaders
4
A day of connection, learning, and community support for the future
of Canada’s water sector BY CHARLIE EVANS
ATER CANADA HOSTED the latest Downstream networking event at Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in Toronto on April 7, 2025.
Sponsored by the SOI Foundation and Toronto
Metropolitan University, the event offered students
and early career professionals a unique opportunity to connect
and network with experts from across Canada’s water industry.
The afternoon kicked off with a presentation by Ashbridges
Bay’s Senior Manager, Peter Marto, followed by a guided tour
of the plant. Attendees were able to explore various parts of the
facility, which is capable of treating up to 818 million litres of
wastewater per day.
The event then transitioned into a series of short roundtable
discussions between industry experts and participants. Topics included stormwater, wastewater, distribution systems,
innovation, and opportunities in northern communities. The
discussions culminated in practical career advice and insights
into professional growth within the water sector.
The excitement didn’t end there. That evening, Water Canada hosted Ripple Effect, a fundraiser for Operators Without
Borders, at Rorschach Brewing Co. in Toronto. The evening
featured a silent auction, delicious food, and a customized
blue beer for guests to enjoy. Proceeds from the auction went
toward supporting the impactful work of Operators Without
Borders—a non-profit organization that deploys experienced
water and wastewater utility opera3
tors to support communities in crisis, helping restore essential services
after natural disasters and building
long-term capacity through training and mentorship.
W
1
2
Water Canada
1. Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment
Plant is located in Toronto, ON.
2. Participants partook in a tour of the
facility.The tour consisted of multiple
locations around the facility.
3. Students and experts engaged in the
opportunity to build connections.
Charlie Evans is the
Associate Editor of
Water Canada.
36
WATER C AN ADA • M AY/JUNE 2025
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
