CWRA 2026: Full Schedule

8:30am CDT

Monday June 15, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT

Are you passionate about advancing hydrological forecasting, improving operational decision-making, or exploring cutting edge modeling techniques that can transform how Canada prepares for floods, droughts, and water-management challenges?
Then we look forward welcoming you to meet, share ideas and discuss the current state and future developments of hydrological prediction in Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned Delft FEWS expert or simply curious about how modern forecasting systems are reshaping the future of water resources in Canada and beyond, this event is the place to connect, learn, and be inspired. Meet researchers, forecasters, data scientists, consultants, and policy makers working at the intersection of water, technology, and science. Build partnerships, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborative projects. Specific topics of interest include:

Forecast Verification: Emerging techniques to assess and understand forecast skill
Forecasting with Raven in Delft-FEWS: Improvements and Innovations
Open source Delft-FEWS configuration developed for Canadian Users

Date: Monday June 15, 2026 (Full Day)
Location: Conference venue
Cost: Free for Attendees – lunch provided

Monday June 15, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Workshop

11:00am CDT

Water in a Changing Environmental Climate

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Abstract ID: 28758
Drought has No Borders: Effects of Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulations on Snow Drought in Southern Alberta
Presenter: Walimunige Rupasinghe, University of Calgary
Additional Authors: Tricia Stadnyk, Department of Civil Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering and Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary; Brandi Newton, Airshed and Watershed Stewardship Branch, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
Abstract ID: 28595
Managing Stormwater Impacts from Densification and Climate Change
Presenters: David Marshall and Andrew Clow, Water Street Engineering

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Abstract ID: 28757
Effects of forest road stream crossings on stream temperature along the east slopes of the Canadian Rockies
Presenter: Ryan MacDonald, MacHyrdo
Additional Authors: Daniel Moore, University of British Columbia; Benjamin Kissinger, fRI Research; Spencer Spannier, MacHydro; Niko Wicharuk, MacHydro

Speakers

Andrew Clow

Water Street Engineering

Ryan MacDonald

Hydrologist, MacHydro

Walimunige Rupasinghe

University of Calgary

David Marshall

Water Street Engineering

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

1:30pm CDT

Water in a Changing Environmental Climate

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:50pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Abstract ID: 22679
Assessing Long-Term Changes in River-Ice Regimes and Their Climatic Controls in the Mackenzie River Basin
Presenter: Yonas Dibike, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Additional Authors: Ethan James, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Laurent de Rham, ECCC; Daniel Peters, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Victoria, BC

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
Abstract ID: 28412
Climate Sensitivity of Snowmelt-Driven Runoff in an Arctic Watershed
Presenter: Richa Rayamjhi, University of Windsor
Additional Authors: Tirupati Bolisetti, University of Windsor; Andrew Colombo, National Research Council

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
Abstract ID: 28469
Transboundary Lake Modeling for Climate Change Impact Assessment: Case Study of Lake Memphremagog
Presenter: Daphné Lisak, Polytechnique Montréal
Additional Authors: Elmira Hassanzadeh, Polytechnique Montréal

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Abstract ID: 28599
Using Paleohydrology to Constrain Model Projections of Hydroclimatic Change
Presenter: Dave Sauchyn, University of Regina
Additional Authors: Julie Ziemer, PARC, University of Regina; Mohammad Zare, PARC, University of Regina; Nicole Kistanov, PARC, University of Regina; and Soumik Basu, PARC, University of Regina

Speakers

Dave Sauchyn

University of Regina

Yonas Dibike

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Richa Rayamajhi

University of Windsor

Daphné Lisak

PhD Student, Polytechnique Montréal

Working on integrated volume-temperature-management lake modeling for climate change impact assessment with the transboundary Lake Memphremagog.

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

3:20pm CDT

Water in a Changing Environmental Climate

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM
Abstract ID: 28839
Translating Hydraulic Models into Capital Decisions: Scenario-Based Infrastructure Planning Under Changing Environmental Conditions
Presenter: Tahera Yeasmin, City of Brandon

3:40 PM - 4:00 PM
Abstract ID: 29534
Assessing Nature-Based Flood Protection Solutions for The City of Richmond, B.C.
Presenter: George Roman, Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.
Additional Authors: Gadwyn Gan, KWL; Jamie DiMillo, KWL; Evan Elder, KWL; Enrico Barbon, KWL; Patrick Lilley, KWL; Eric Morris, KWL; Colin Kristiansen, KWL; Braeden LeBlanc, City of Richmond; Tracy Walker, City of Richmond; Natalie Bejerman, City of Richmond

4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Abstract ID: 27343
Infrastructure Transition Technologies; Grey to Green
Presenter: Ian Corne, Centerfield Supply

Speakers

Tahera Yeasmin

City of Brandon

George Roman

Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.

Ian Corne

Environment Manager, [email protected]

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

10:30am CDT

Water in a Changing Environmental Climate

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Abstract ID: 28063
Stress Testing of Water Systems Under Inflow Uncertainty
Presenter: Hamid Gozini, University of Manitoba
Additional Authors: Masoud Asadzadeh, University of Manitoba; Tricia Stadnyk, University of Calgary; Fisaha Unduche, Government of Manitoba; Habtamu Tolossa, Government of Manitoba

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Abstract ID: 28762
A Multi‑Metric Synthesis of 20th‑Century Reanalysis Product Accuracy for Hydrological Applications in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin
Presenters: Muhammad Shafqat Mehboob, University of Manitoba and Carly Delevau, Manitoba Hydro
Additional Authors: Ricardo Mantilla, University of Manitoba; Masoud Asadzadeh, University of Manitoba; Phillip Slota, Manitoba Hydro; Lina Wu, University of Manitoba; Shane Wruth, Manitoba Hydro

11:10 AM - 11:30 AM
Abstract ID: 29753
Camp Creek Revisited, One More Time: Quantifying Peak Flow Response to Forestry for a Medium-Size Snow-Dominated Catchment Using Multiple Approaches
Presenter: R. Dan Moore, University of British Columbia
Additional Authors: Kim Green, Apex Geoscience; Cyd Potter, Apex Geoscience

Speakers

Carly Delevau

Manitoba Hydro

Hamid Gozini

PhD Candidate, University of Manitoba

R. Dan Moore

University of British Columbia

Muhammad Shafqat Mehboob

Postdoc, University of Manitoba

Mohammad Zare

Research Associate, PARC

I work on climate change, drought risk, hydrology, and crop modelling in the Canadian Prairies. Talk to me about climate data, drought impacts, soil moisture, water resources, agricultural adaptation, GIS mapping, and how science can support better decisions for farmers, researchers... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

1:30pm CDT

Water in a Changing Environmental Climate

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:50pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Abstract ID: 28756
Flood Frequency and Water Supply Insights from Longterm Continuous Ensemble Hydrology: Water Management for a Changing Future in the Roseau River
Presenter: Andrew Tefs, Strategic Systems Engineering Inc.
Additional Authors: Scott Pokorny, SSE; Andrew Murray, SSE; Patrick Lee, SSE; Toby Szkop, SSE; Hank Venema, SSE

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
Abstract ID: 28769
Integrating Pluvial and Riverine Flood Risk in a Constrained Urban Drainage System Adjacent to the Bow River, Calgary
Presenter: Juan Carlos De La Cruz, Jacobs

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
Abstract ID: 28441
Enhanced Correction of Hydroclimate Extremes Through Nonstationary and Ordinary-Event-Based Approaches
Presenter: Cuauhtemoc Tonatiuh Vidrio-Sahagun, University of Saskatchewan
Additional Authors: Jianxun He, University of Calgary; Alain Pietroniro, University of Calgary.

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Abstract ID: 28064
MESH: A Community Model for Hydrologic Prediction
Presenter: Daniel Princz, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Speakers

Cuauhtemoc Tonatiuh Vidrio-Sahagun

University of Saskatchewan

Andrew Tefs

Strategic Systems Engineering Inc.

Juan Carlos De La Cruz

Senior Water Resources Engineer, Jacobs

Daniel Princz

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

3:20pm CDT

Sharing our knowledge: Wabanaki Worldviews on Water and Wastewater Treatment

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:20pm - 5:00pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

This session will be a sharing circle. It will start with a smudge and prayer, followed by the passing of a talking stick. Teachings about how First Nations have developed their own solutions, and how they have partnered with Western ways of knowing and doing will be discussed.

Dr. Sheri Longboat - (mixed Mohawk Ukrainian and member of the Six Nations of the Grand River). Sheri is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science at Wilfrid Laurier University, and associate graduate faculty in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. She has over 25 years of experience working with First Nations in lands and resources, education and training, and research and capacity-building. Her community-driven research focuses on water security planning, management, and governance in the context of sustainability, justice, and change.

Charlotte Muise is a Master’s of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering Student at Dalhousie University with the Centre for Water Resources conducting research with the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, hailing from Mi’kmaq Qalipu First Nation in western Newfoundland. Her research focuses on redefining “risk assessment” in a good way for First Nations wastewater treatment.

Dr. Megan Fuller (settler for mixed European ancestry) is the Director of Research for the AFNWA at Dalhousie University's Centre for Water Resources Studies. She leads research priorities in collaboration with Elders, First Nations collaborators, and technical experts, ensuring solutions are grounded in cultural values as well as scientific rigor. Megan's work translates science into policy, including the co-development of Indigenous-led drinking water standards and the production of expert reports addressing critical gaps in decentralized water and wastewater systems.

Elder Methilda Knockwood Snache is the Chair of the AFNWA’s Elders Advisory Lodge and a much-respected Elder who maintains the culture and customs of the Mi’kmaq people of Lennox Island by sharing traditional wisdom and practices. The inspiring work she has done has left an indelible mark on her community. She was awarded the Governor General of Canada’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017 for her ongoing work as a Mi’kmaq cultural interpreter for Parks Canada and joins the CWRA special session to bring Mi’kmaq values, teachings, and culture to Treaty 1 Territories.

Gregg Brewer – is a member of Neqotkuk First Nation and the Wolustuk Area Supervisor for the AFNWA. He is an experienced Operator with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry in areas of water supply management, water treatment, distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and mentoring and training operators.

Pat Jeddore – is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and the Unama’ki Area Supervisor for the AFNWA. Pat brings Mi’kmaw culture, values, and language to his role as water and wastewater operator. Pat’s expertise and leadership role in Eskasoni has been instrumental in steering the AFNWA during its development.

Mykel Denny – is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Water Resources Studies at Dalhousie University. They recently completed their Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Biology and Chemistry at Cape Breton University. Mykel’s role at the CWRS provides support and direction to the research and educational programs being delivered by the AFNWA + CWRS partnership.

Geoff Reimer – the Director of Environment for the Southern Chiefs Organization, Geoff and oversees the Water Testing Project for participating SCO Nations. The Water Testing Project is SCO’s initial step in developing a Southern First Nations Water Authority that will deliver safe, clean drinking water and wastewater treatment services to participating SCO member First Nations.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:20pm - 5:00pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

10:15am CDT

Advances in Water Science and Technology

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Abstract ID: 28609
Design and Performance of Cable-Free Engineered Woody Debris Jams
Presenter: Catalina Tandara, Stantec Consulting
Additional Authors: James Bigelow, Stantec; Matt Wood, Stantec

10:35 AM - 10:55 AM
Abstract ID: 28623
What Drainage Maps Miss: Scalable Pipe‑Level Resilience
Presenter: Ahmed Abdelaal, McMaster University
Additional Authors: Sonia Hassini, McMaster University

10:55 AM - 11:15 AM
Abstract ID: 24803
AI-Enabled Multi-Objective Calibration of a wflow_sbm Hydrological Model of the Nile Basin
Presenter: Addis Alaminie, University of Toronto
Additional Authors: Mohammed Basheer, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Speakers

Ahmed Abdelaal

McMaster University

I am a Phd candidate at McMaster university. I am licenced as EIT from APEGS, with more than eight years of experience in surface hydrology and stormwater management.

Catalina Tandara

Stantec Consulting

Addis Alaminie

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Toronto

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

11:30am CDT

Advances in Water Science and Technology

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Abstract ID: 26159
Nutrient Dynamics in Lakes Manitoba and Winnipegosis
Presenter: Claire Herbert, University of Manitoba

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
Abstract ID: 28821
Development and Initial Testing of ECCC's National Water Quality Model
Presenter: Bernardo Teufel, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Additional Authors: Murray MacKay, ECCC; Christopher Spence, ECCC; Ram Yerubandi, ECCC

12:10 AM - 12:30 PM
Abstract ID: 285594
Lakewide Priorities to Coastal Realities: Linking Science Planning to On-the-Ground Action in the Great Lakes
Presenter: Dylan Hrach, Canada Water Agency

Speakers

Claire Herbert

Head, Digital strategey and Manitoba Great Lakes Program, University of Manitoba

Bernardo Teufel

Research scientist, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Dylan Hrach

Canada Water Agency

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room Fairmont Winnipeg

Concurrent Session - Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair, Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

2:00pm CDT

Advances in Water Science and Technology

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Lombard/Stevenson/Sinclair Room

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Abstract ID: 23837
Impacts of Green Rainwater Infrastructure on Flow Volume in Sewers
Presenter: Sylvie Spraakman, City of Vancouver
Additional Authors: Cassandra Humes, City of Vancouver; Robb Lukes, City of Vancouver

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
Abstract ID: 22673
Prioritizing Municipal Water Infrastructure Interventions under Urban Densification and Climate Change
Presenter: Émilie Bilodeau, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
Additional Authors: Jean-Luc Martel, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Abstract ID: 28548
Moving Beyond “Barriers”: A Relational Approach to Water Protection
Presenter: Shannon Waters, Office of the Provincial Health Officer
Additional Authors: Daniele Behn-Smith, Office of the Provincial Health Officer

Speakers

Émilie Bilodeau

PhD student, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

Émilie Bilodeau holds a Master’s degree in Engineering with a specialization in infrastructure and is currently a PhD student in Engineering, specializing in urban hydrology and hydraulics, at École de technologie supérieure. She is an engineer and lecturer, and serves as President... Read More →

Sylvie Spraakman

Senior Engineer, City of Vancouver

I'm a Senior Engineer at the City of Vancouver, where I work on design, implementation & asset management of green infrastructure in the public realm. Previously I completed a PhD at the University of Toronto studying the long term performance of bioretention systems.

I'm also the Programming Chair at this conference! I've volunteered with CWRA for several years now, including with the SYP and the BC Branch... Read More →