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Welcome to the 50th Annual Operators Seminar!

This year’s event welcomes everyone back to beautiful Banff, Alberta to celebrate the Assocation’s 50th Seminar Anniversary! The week will feature technical sessions, networking opportunities along with many other special features to celebrate fifty years.

The 2025 Seminar offers a variety of in-person technical presentations on water & wastewater industry topics and trends worth 0.9 CEUs plus a half-day "Friday Session" worth an additional 0.3 CEUs. The event will feature an outstanding two-day trade show showcasing the latest industry products and services as well as our Thursday night Gala to present our industry awards along with entertainment for the evening.

Seminar attendees include: operators, supervisors, managers, system owners, suppliers, contractors, government officials, consultants and many other industry professionals.

QUICK LINKS
Questions? Contact register@awwoa.ca or visit the Registration Desk on-site (hours listed each day in the Schedule)

NOTE: The app includes all events taking place throughout the week.  Your paid registration still indicates what you have access to onsite at the event.
Monday, March 10
 

8:30am MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #1 - Water Closet to Water Body: A Guide to Upgrading Aging Wastewater Facilities
Monday March 10, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Many communities have failing wastewater treatment infrastructure but are struggling with how to use their limited funds as effectively as possible. In this seminar, our team will examine the wastewater treatment process from all angles and for both mechanical wastewater facilities and lagoons. This will include:
• Receiving Water Body Studies. These studies examine what effluent quality limits we need to achieve through our treatment process. This presenter will provide an overview of how these studies are performed and the information they provide.
• Upgrades to Mechanical WWTPs. This presenter will provide insight into upgrades they have made at their mechanical WWTP to meet more stringent limits, including lessons learned.
• Upgrades to Lagoons. This presenter will review options to improve the lagoon’s performance and where each one is applicable, considering site constraints. These options include aeration, expansion, and innovative technologies.
• Operational Considerations
Speakers
DM

Derek Mayowski

Associated Engineering
Derek Mayowski is a Process Mechanical Engineer with the Regional Water Group in Edmonton. He has been with Associated for over 15 years and specializes in both design and project management of regional water and wastewater projects.
SB

Sarah Bruce

Associated Engineering
Sarah Bruce is the Alberta North Regional Water Manager. She has been with Associated for 13 years and lives in Fort McMurray, managing water and wastewater treatment upgrade projects throughout Alberta.
RC

Rudy Chan

Associated Engineering
Rudy Chan is a Regional Water Specialist based in Calgary. He has been with Associated for over 20 years and has worked on several water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades from planning to construction and commissioning.
DD

Daniel du Toit

Associated Engineering
Monday March 10, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

8:30am MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #2 - Reservoir Construction – From Concept to Commissioning
Monday March 10, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
This workshop will provide delegates with focus on essential ‘need-to-knows’ for water utility operators and managers when planning for and undertaking replacement or construction of a new water reservoir and pumping station.
Delegates will be guided through all aspects of reservoir and pumpstation construction through the example City of St. Albert Sturgeon Reservoir project through all phases, including but not limited to concept through capital planning, engineering design, procurement, and construction to commissioning. Similarly to other projects, through this workshop many of the opportunities, challenges and solutions experienced by the City of St. Albert having embarked on a typical design-bid-build approach to ‘the pivot’ and direction in moving forward with integrated project delivery will be shared with delegates.
The scope of this project and workshop also encompasses reservoir, pumpstation and off-site infrastructure rehabilitation vs replacement, addressing public concerns and perspectives, engaging stakeholders, responding to the unplanned, choosing by advantages and last-responsible-moment decision making.
Beyond this project, both Brian and Jason bring over 50 years combined career experience in water and wastewater including design, construction and operations of water reservoirs and pump stations. As engaging speakers, interaction with delegates will be occurring throughout the workshop, and those present will have take-away value-added knowledge being prepared to bring an operations perspective should they be part of a future water reservoir and pumpstation construction project.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Brost

Brian Brost

Manager of Utilities, City of St. Albert
Brian Brost continues to enjoy a nearly 30-year career in the municipal water and wastewater sector with experience from the “underground to the Executive Board Room” including the past 14 years with the City of St. Albert as the Manager of Utilities, he is the Alberta Director... Read More →
avatar for Jason Kopan

Jason Kopan

General Manager, Water, ISL Engineering and Land Services
As the General Manager of Water at ISL with over 21 years of experience, Jason works closely with a team of close to 30 ISL'ers to assess, design, and implement various water and wastewater projects for a diverse range of clients across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Jason is one... Read More →
RM

Ryan Maloney

Sure-Form Contracting
Monday March 10, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

12:00pm MDT

Registration Desk
Monday March 10, 2025 12:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Registered Delegates: Pick up your delegate package that has all you will need for the week!

ONSITE REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
  • Full week and single day passes are SOLD OUT.  There is no on-site registration for these packages.
  • Trade Show viewing only - passes for the trade show can be purchased onsite for $100+GST per person.  Note that this pass does not have access to the technical program or networking events (access ends Tuesday).

Information Counter: Ask your questions about the Seminar and the events for the week here.

Exhibitors - booth envelopes are available for pick up Monday Mar 10th after 11:00 am. Changes to your name tags can also be made at this location. For questions about your booth, please contact kmihaychuk@awwoa.ca 

  • 2025 DELEGATE BAG SPONSORS - Taber Solids Control
  • 2025 LANYARD SPONSORS - ISL
Sponsors
avatar for ISL Engineering

ISL Engineering

Official 2025 Event Lanyard Sponsor.
avatar for Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Official 2025 Delegate Bag Sponsor.
Monday March 10, 2025 12:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:00pm MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #3 - Optimizing Wastewater Biology with Bioaugmentation: The Truth about Bacterial and Enzyme Supplements
Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
In the evolving field of wastewater treatment, bioaugmentation has emerged as a promising
strategy to enhance the biological processes critical to maintaining efficient and effective
operations. This presentation aims to provide wastewater operators with a thorough
understanding of bioaugmentation, focusing on the application and impact of bacterial and
enzyme supplements.

We will begin with an overview of the biological processes in wastewater treatment,
emphasizing the roles of bacteria and enzymes. This foundational knowledge will allow a
deeper exploration of bacterial and enzyme supplements, explaining how they are created and
what makes them effective. Attendees will learn about the different types of bacterial products,
their mechanisms of action, and the specific conditions required for their optimal performance.
We will also cover enzyme supplements, highlighting their applications and how they
complement bacterial processes.

The presentation will address common issues encountered in wastewater treatment, such as
fats, oils, and grease (FOGs), loss of nitrification, high ammonia levels, midge flies, and sludge
accumulation. We will discuss the underlying biological challenges for each issue and how
targeted bioaugmentation can provide solutions.

Practical considerations for selecting and using bacterial and enzyme products will be provided.
We will provide tools and methods for product selection and evaluating product effectiveness,
including microfilament analysis and origins testing, sludge surveys, influent/effluent monitoring,
and screening tests. Attendees will gain insights into pilot and small-scale long-term studies that
can help predict full-scale performance.

We will present detailed case studies to illustrate the real-world application of these concepts.
Each case study will provide valuable lessons and best practices that operators can apply to
their facilities.

Finally, we will conclude with a wrap-up and a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with
the material and address specific questions or concerns.
Speakers
avatar for Ray Menard

Ray Menard

Managing Partner, ACC Water Solutions Inc
Ray Menard is the co-founder and managing partner at ACC Water Solutions Inc., bringing over a decade of expertise in diverse water environments, including recirculatory aquaculture, municipal raw water, stormwater, wastewater, and ecosystems such as lakes and ponds. At the helm of... Read More →
Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

1:00pm MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #4 - Goldfish Invasion: Round 2 Knock-Out Punch
Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Sylvan Lake's storm pond, situated on the south end of town, has a significant goldfish infestation, compelling the dewatering and manual removal of goldfish due to the unavailability of approved chemical solutions like rotenone. This presentation sheds light on the hurdles faced during manual removal efforts and aims to share challenges that municipalities, constrained by chemical availability, are encountering.

NOTE: You must have a separate, paid registration to attend this workshop (NOT included in a full seminar registration).  If you have not received a receipt and confirmation of workshop registration, entrance will not be permitted.  On-site registration or walkups are NOT accepted.

Presentation Overview
With the absence of rotenone, our team embarked on manual removal techniques, employing methods such as netting and dewatering. The difficulties of this approach were compounded by unpredictable weather conditions and a persistent natural spring feeding the pond, highlighting the limitations municipalities face without access to approved chemical solutions.

Regulatory Compliance and Enumeration
Navigating Alberta Environment and Protected Areas regulations, our team was required to secure a fish research license, a process including collaborative effort needed with regulatory bodies when conventional chemical solutions are unavailable. Enumerating, identifying and reporting the goldfish population became imperative.

Community Engagement and Shared Struggles

Recognizing this problem is created by lack of knowledge and education by residents. To address the challenges faced by municipalities without rotenone availability, we have initiated a public education campaign. This campaign aims not only to inform our local community but to raise awareness, understanding and support for municipalities fighting with similar issues. This is with interdepartmental collaboration (Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Communication Departments)

Lessons Learned and Collaboration
The presentation will highlight the lessons learned throughout this project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared experiences. By addressing the issues faced without rotenone, we hope to spark a broader conversation on the need for accessible and effective solutions for municipalities navigating goldfish infestations.

Conclusion
Sylvan Lake's experience can serve as a case study, not only in goldfish eradication but also in highlighting the pressing need for accessible and approved chemical solutions for municipalities facing similar challenges. By sharing our struggles, successes, and lessons learned, we aim to incite a collaborative approach to environmental restoration within the broader municipal community.
Speakers
LG

Logan Gebbink

Town of Sylvan Lake
MJ

Monique Johnson

Compliance, Town of Sylvan Lake
Water and wastewater
Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

3:00pm MDT

Silent Auction 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Make your way to the Pine Room and place your bid on a treasure! All proceeds go to the Water School.
Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Trade Show 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
A variety of Trade Show Booths highlighting the latest industry products, services and technologies. Play the "FIND THE HYDRANT GAME" for great prizes. Check your registration package for details. 
Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

4:00pm MDT

Networking Event - Trade Show Reception 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Monday March 10, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
The Trade Show kicks into high gear with a Reception including food, drinks and fun for all! This is a great opportunity to network and learn! Check your registration package for tickets. Don't forget your nametag!
Monday March 10, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff
 
Tuesday, March 11
 

8:00am MDT

Registration Desk
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm MDT
Registered Delegates: Pick up your delegate package that has all you will need for the week!

ONSITE REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
  • Full week and single day passes are SOLD OUT.  There is no on-site registration for these packages.
  • Trade Show viewing only - passes for the trade show can be purchased onsite for $100+GST per person.  Note that this pass does not have access to the technical program or networking events (access ends Tuesday).

Information Counter: Ask your questions about the Seminar and the events for the week here.

Exhibitors - booth envelopes are available for pick up Monday Mar 10th after 11:00 am. Changes to your name tags can also be made at this location. For questions about your booth, please contact kmihaychuk@awwoa.ca 

  • 2025 DELEGATE BAG SPONSORS - Taber Solids Control
  • 2025 LANYARD SPONSORS - ISL
Sponsors
avatar for ISL Engineering

ISL Engineering

Official 2025 Event Lanyard Sponsor.
avatar for Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Official 2025 Delegate Bag Sponsor.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

8:30am MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #5 - Embedded Acoustic Leak Detection - Resolving Water Loss & Preventing Main Breaks
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Current methods are falling short in addressing non-revenue water (NRW) reduction in Canada, where water conservation, operational efficiency, and accurate billing are critical priorities. This session will highlight success stories from real-world utilities that have embraced integrated Acoustic Leak Detection (ALD) technology to monitor and alert to distribution side leakage with precision.
By accelerating leak detection and improving accuracy, these utilities have significantly reduced their cost per identified leak and tackled low-hanging opportunities to reduce their water loss. Advanced water meter technology is proving to be a game-changer, enabling utilities to take meaningful strides toward sustainable water management.
Attendees will gain actionable insights and strategies to adopt these innovative solutions, transforming water distribution systems into models of environmental responsibility and operational excellence. Moreover, these advancements can help utilities stabilize their infrastructure, preventing catastrophic water main breaks and staying out of unwanted headlines. This presentation underscores the tangible benefits of integrating cutting-edge technologies, making a compelling case for sustainability-driven modernization.
Speakers
avatar for Keesha Dorosz

Keesha Dorosz

Regional Sales Manager- Western Canada, Kamstrup Water Metering
avatar for Oleksandr Rudkovskyi

Oleksandr Rudkovskyi

Solution Manager - Canada, Kamstrup Water Metering
GM

Graham Mattison

Kamstrup
Graham Mattison is a Solution Manager with Kamstrup Water Metering, a global leader in intelligent solutions for the Utility Industry. With a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and a decade of experience in Acoustic Leak Detection with Fluid... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

8:30am MDT

Pre-Seminar Workshop #6 - Asset Management for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Asset Management is a focus for public works departments across Canada. The foundation of a strong Asset Management plan is an accurate asset inventory:
     - What does the municipality own?
     - Where is it located?
     - What condition is it in?
     - What is the expected remaining life?
     - What is the replacement cost?

As-built drawings can generally be used to answer question, but asset location and condition can only be determined with field studies.

We will present Asset Management concepts for water infrastructure and practical and cost-effective techniques for gathering the required field data. Operators can then use this field data to more effectively run their systems, as well as implement strategies to extend asset life and functionality.

Detailed case studies will be used to explain all concepts and techniques. These best-practice examples are based on our work with more than 150 municipalities across Canada. Each example will include a discussion of available equipment.

Specific workshop topics will include:
     - Asset location - using and updating GIS maps for infrastructure location (hydrants; manholes; pipes; etc)
     - Flow monitoring for sanitary and storm sewers
     - Corrosion monitoring in sanitary and storm sewers
     - Condition assessments; including sewer smoke testing; CCTV inspection; water system leak detection and others.

We will provide feedback from operators that have employed these techniques; as well as how the field data is being used in system operations and planning. We will display equipment and have interactive portions throughout the workshop.

NOTE: You must have a separate, paid registration to attend this workshop (NOT included in a full seminar registration).  If you have not received a receipt and confirmation of workshop registration, entrance will not be permitted.  On-site registration or walkups are NOT accepted.
Speakers
avatar for David Speed

David Speed

Operations Manager - Municipal, BioMaxx Environmental
Dave Speed is a professional mechanical engineer by training. Dave has worked in the water and wastewater treatment field with major multinational organizations including GE Water, Nalco and Kemira Water, since the early 1990s providing chemical treatment programs and field engineering... Read More →
NM

Nelson Marsh

BioMaxx Environmental
GA

Gavin Applin

BioMaxx Environmental
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Centre (Kinnear Building) 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive

10:00am MDT

Trade Show 10:00am to 3:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 3:00pm MDT
A variety of Trade Show Booths highlighting the latest industry products, services and technologies. Play the "FIND THE HYDRANT GAME" for great prizes. Check your registration package for details. 
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 3:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:00am MDT

Silent Auction - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Make your way to the Pine Room and place your bid on a treasure! All proceeds go to the Water School.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

12:00pm MDT

Lunch - Sponsored by: Aquatech Diving & Marine Services Ltd., Capital H2O, IVIS Inc. and Napier-Reid - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Thank you to Aquatech Diving & Marine Services , Capital H2O, IVIS Inc. and Napier-Reid for their generous contributions to today's lunch.
Sponsors
avatar for Aquatech Diving & Marine Services Ltd

Aquatech Diving & Marine Services Ltd

Official co-sponsor of the Tuesday Delegate Lunch.
avatar for Capital H2O Systems Inc

Capital H2O Systems Inc

Offical co-sponsor of the Tuesday Delegate Lunch.
avatar for IVIS Construction Inc

IVIS Construction Inc

Offical co-sponsor of the Tuesday Delegate Lunch.
avatar for Nexom/Napier-Reid

Nexom/Napier-Reid

Offical co-sponsor of the Tuesday Delegate Lunch.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

4:15pm MDT

Silent Auction Item Pickup 4:15pm to 5:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Please pick up your Auction Items by 5:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

5:30pm MDT

Women of Water (WOW) - Networking Event - 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT
Calling all Women of Water!  Join us for the third year of this event as we share the many successes and stories of women working in the water and wastewater industry.  
Tuesday March 11, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT
Elk & Oarsman Pub 119 Banff Avenue, Banff

7:00pm MDT

Pub Networking Night - 7:00pm to 10:00pm - Sponsored by Algae Control Canada & Klearwater Equipment and Technologies
Tuesday March 11, 2025 7:00pm - 11:00pm MDT
Join us at the Elk & Oarsman Pub for Pub Night. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and conversation with your fellow industry professionals. Thank you to ACC Water Solutions Inc. and Klearwater Equipment and Technologies for Sponsoring this event!
Sponsors
avatar for ACC Water Solutions Inc

ACC Water Solutions Inc

Official co-sponsor of Pub Night.
avatar for Klearwater Equipment & Technologies

Klearwater Equipment & Technologies

Official co-sponsor of Pub Night.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 7:00pm - 11:00pm MDT
Elk & Oarsman Pub 119 Banff Avenue, Banff
 
Wednesday, March 12
 

8:30am MDT

Registration Desk
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Registered Delegates: Pick up your delegate package that has all you will need for the week!

ONSITE REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
  • Full week and single day passes are SOLD OUT.  There is no on-site registration for these packages.
  • Trade Show pass - Note that this pass does not have access to the technical program or networking events (access ends Tuesday).

Information Counter: Ask your questions about the Seminar and the events for the week here.

  • 2025 DELEGATE BAG SPONSORS - Taber Solids Control
  • 2025 LANYARD SPONSORS - ISL
Sponsors
avatar for ISL Engineering

ISL Engineering

Official 2025 Event Lanyard Sponsor.
avatar for Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Official 2025 Delegate Bag Sponsor.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00am MDT

Official Seminar Opening & Awards Presentation - 9:00am to 10:00am
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Official Seminar Opening Session. Speecial Past Chair Acknowlegement; Awards Presentation: Gerald Samuel Operator of the Year Award, Ron Bayne Service Award, Steve Blonsky Honorary Life Membership Award, Presentation of AWWOA's 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year
Speakers
avatar for Chris  Huston

Chris Huston

Manager of Utilities, City of Lacombe
Manage water, wastewater, regional water and solid waste.
GS

Gerald Samuel

AWWOA Life Member
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:00am MDT

Alberta Environment and Parks Update - 10:00am to 10:30am
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
EPA will provide highlights of the key regulatory initiatives related to drinking water and municipal wastewater that the department and will touch on where we have been, where we are now and what is on potentially on the horizon. Drinking water topics will include the new fluoride limit implementation plan, a lead management program update, status of the micro waterworks initiative, and the impact of new Health Canada guideline on PFAS chemicals. We will review recent and upcoming changes to other Health Canada drinking water guidelines that we are tracking. On wastewater, EPA will summarize our on-going efforts to facilitate innovation for small wastewater systems.
Speakers
avatar for Steve Craik

Steve Craik

Director - Drinking Water & Wastewater Program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Steve is currently the Director of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Regulatory program with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.  He is an Environmental Engineer with more than 20 years in the Drinking Water and Wastewater industry, including 5 years with University of Alberta... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:30am MDT

Break 10:30am to 10:45am
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am MDT
Break
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:45am MDT

The Water School - 10:45am to 11:00am
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Get an update form AWWOA's Charity of Choice - The Water School
Speakers
DE

Dave Ericson

The WaterSchool
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:00am MDT

Keynote Presentation - Talking with Canadians - Rick Mercer
Wednesday March 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Rick Mercer is without a doubt one of this country's most highly respected writers and actors. His knack for political and social satire has earned him over 25 Gemini Awards for his top-rated CBC series The Rick Mercer Report, Made in Canada, and This Hour has 22 Minutes. His CBC special Rick Mercer's Talking to Americans attracted 2.7 million viewers across Canada, making it the highest rated comedy special in the history of Canadian television. He is a #1 Toronto Star and Globe and Mail bestselling author, most recently publishing the memoir The Road Years: a memoir continued, a revealing and hilarious look at his personal life and unconventional rise to TV fame. His other books include Talking to Canadians: a memoir, as well as Rick Mercer Final Report, Streeters, Rick Mercer Report: The Book, and A Nation Worth Ranting About. Rick was recently honoured with the Governor General's Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. As someone who understands what amuses, delights, and occasionally enrages Canadians about our politicians, our media, and our neighbour to the south, Rick has made his mark on Canadian culture and helped to define what it means to be Canadian.
Speakers
Wednesday March 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

12:00pm MDT

Lunch 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Wednesday March 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
The Town of Banff has many great options for lunch. Have fun exploring! - Please be back for 1:30pm Technical Session Start.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Lunch on your own - please return for 1:30pm start

1:30pm MDT

Session A - Waste Gas Burner Upgrades at all 3 Wastewater Plants for the City of Calgary
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Speakers
SK

Sean Killoran

Project Commissioning Operator, City of Calgary
JS

Josh Sonnenberg

Plant operator, City of Calgary
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session B - Supporting Alberta Drinking Water Systems in Wildfire-Impacted Watersheds
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Jesse Skwaruk

Jesse Skwaruk

Government of Alberta
AJ

Aaron Janzen

Drinking Water Program Manager, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Water
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session C - Town of 2,500 saving $700,000 per Year Through Infrastructure Maintenance
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Speakers
SV

Shane Vollett

Town of Sundre
RR

Reilly Roberts

McElhanney
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session D - Dude, Where's My Stormwater Pond?
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Speakers
AA

Andrew Ambrocichuk

Hydrasurvey Ltd
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:15pm MDT

Session A - Optimizing Clarifier Drives: Inspection, Maintenance, and Rebuilding
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
EA

Eric Anderson

Sentry Rebuild-it
Eric Anderson is a seasoned professional with 14 years of experience in municipal wastewater management and 10 years in industrial wastewater treatment. Currently Eric works as a sales and business development manager for Rebuild-it/ Sentry Equipment. Eric has a deep understanding... Read More →
FD

Francois DuBois

Benchmark Instrumentation & Analytical Services Inc.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:15pm MDT

Session B - Don't Go Dry: Water Well Operations and Maintenance
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Soren Poschmann

Soren Poschmann

Manager, Hydrogeology, ISL Engineering and Land Services
As the Hydrogeology Manager at ISL, Soren brings nearly 20 years of comprehensive experience in environmental consulting for municipal water source operators, private landowners and industrial operations such as oil and gas, pipelines and aggregate. Soren has provided field supervision... Read More →
avatar for Fergus Campbell

Fergus Campbell

ISL Engineering and Land Services
Fergus is the Lead, Hydrogeology in ISL's Calgary office. With over 7 years of extensive experience as a geologist, Fergus is responsible for conducting and supervising hydrogeological field work, including water source and monitoring well drilling and installation, hydraulic conductivity... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:15pm MDT

Session C - What Do You Need in a Lift Station Control Panel?
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
AM

Abram McAlear

TDH Fluid Systems Inc
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:15pm MDT

Session D - Water’s Role in Uniting Operators, Communities, and Futures: A Global Perspective
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Mike Hewitt

Mike Hewitt

Supervisor, RMWB
AR

Asmahan Rabo

Needs4Water
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:45pm MDT

Break
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Break
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session A - Standard Operational Procedures for Lagoon Facilities
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session B - Treatment Options for Meeting Health Canada's Fluoride MAC's in Groundwater
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Alex Simon

Alex Simon

Government of Alberta
Drinking Water Operations Specialist with the Government of Alberta for the Calgary Region
JS

Jonathan Shandro

Foreman, Foothills County
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session C - Valves Don't Age Like Wine: Managing an Aging Control Valve System
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session D - Responding to Emergencies
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
KJ

Kevin Johnson

Rocky View Water Co-op Ltd
SR

Stephanie Roppelt

Rocky View Water Co-op Ltd
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:45pm MDT

Annual General Meeting
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
AWWOA's Annual General Meeting - Must be a member in good standing to participate in the meeting motions and voting.
Speakers
avatar for Chris  Huston

Chris Huston

Manager of Utilities, City of Lacombe
Manage water, wastewater, regional water and solid waste.
avatar for Dan Rites

Dan Rites

Executive Director, AWWOA
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

7:30pm MDT

Casino Night Networking Event - Sponsored by Wolseley Canada with co-sponsors Mueller and IPEX
Wednesday March 12, 2025 7:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Join us for fun and games at the Fun Money Casino Night. Great networking opportunity with many chances to win great prizes! Snacks and subsidized cash bar will be available.
Sponsors
avatar for Wolseley Canada

Wolseley Canada

Official sponsor of Casino Night.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 7:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff
 
Thursday, March 13
 

8:30am MDT

Registration Desk
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am MDT
Registered Delegates: Pick up your delegate package that has all you will need for the week!

ONSITE REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
  • Full week and single day passes are SOLD OUT.  There is no on-site registration for these packages.
  • Trade Show pass - Note that this pass does not have access to the technical program or networking events (access ends Tuesday).

Information Counter: Ask your questions about the Seminar and the events for the week here.

  • 2025 DELEGATE BAG SPONSORS - Taber Solids Control
  • 2025 LANYARD SPONSORS - ISL
Sponsors
avatar for ISL Engineering

ISL Engineering

Official 2025 Event Lanyard Sponsor.
avatar for Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Taber Solids Control 1998 Ltd

Official 2025 Delegate Bag Sponsor.
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00am MDT

Session A - Implementation of Total Phosphorus Reduction in WWTP Effluent at 4 Wing Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Speakers
AD

Adam Dul

Section Supervisor; Water, Fuels & Environment, 4 Wing Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake; Department of National Defence
Adam Dul is the section supervisor of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) at 4 Wing, Cold Lake which is located approximately 300km northeast of Edmonton, 15km from the Alberta Saskatchewan border.
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00am MDT

Session B - Bow Island WTP Rockwell SLC 5/05 Migration Case Study
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Speakers
NS

Nick Sawatzy

MPE Engineering Ltd
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00am MDT

Session C - A Chemical Perspective on the Utilization of Rotenone in Stormwater Ponds as Piscicide for Goldfish Populations
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Speakers
BA

Brody Andersen

Bureau Veritas
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00am MDT

Session D - Exploding Demand - A Race to Keep Up: Exploring the WILD Story Behind the WILDRWSC
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Speakers
JD

Joe Duplessie

Raejo Contracting Inc
JM

Jason Madge

WILD Regional Water Services Commission
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:30am MDT

Session A - Tackling H2S and FOG in your Sewer! Town of Diamond Valley Project Review - Part II
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan  Lee

Jonathan Lee

Director, Acti-Zyme Products Ltd. 
Jonathan promotes and manages projects using Acti-Zyme Products, an all-natural biological enhancement technology, and is responsible for business development within North America. Acti-Zyme Products provide improved treatment and increased digestion of organics in wastewater treatments... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:30am MDT

Session B - Chemical Feed Systems: Upgrades to Prevent Leaks and Unnecessary Maintenance
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Speakers
JG

Justin Giroux

OPTCO Ltd
Justin’s passion for water and the environment, love of the outdoors, and entrepreneurial spirit has led to a career in the water industry, which began directly after graduating university with an Honours Degree in Commerce in 2004. For 20 years, Justin has been consulting with... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:30am MDT

Session C - Lift Station Maintenance Optimization as Implemented in the EPCOR Storm and Sanitary Stations within the City of Edmonton
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Speakers
NE

Nicole Ewing

EPCOR/City of Edmonton
CP

Clayton Perron

EPCOR/City of Edmonton
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:30am MDT

Session D - Clear Waters Ahead: The Development of EPCOR's Uni-Directional Flushing Program and Where We Are Today
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Explore the origins of EPCOR’s Uni- Directional flushing program, and how it has evolved over time. Included is an overview of EPCOR's water distribution system and an explanation why this method is optimal for our routine flushing program. Key points will include the advantages of a UDF program, the criteria we use to determine flushing frequency, the adjustments we’ve made to our priorities over the years, as well as other factors to consider when flushing water distribution mains.
Speakers
SL

Shawni Lupaschuk

Crew Lead, EPCOR
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:15am MDT

Break
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:45am MDT

Session A - Sleep Deprivation: Signs; Symptoms; Effects and How to Address It
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Operators working in plants requiring 24/7 attendance commonly follow shift schedules and are required to work night shifts; leading to sleep deprivation.  This discussion will address how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep deprivation; and how it affects your personal; home and work life.  It will also look at 2 recent studies that were done about a possible future blood test for sleep exhaustion and how cursing may provide a short-term boost to alertness.
Speakers
RV

Ryan Vogelgesang

EPCOR
Level 4 WWTP operator at the Goldbar WWTP in Edmonton and first time presenter.
MM

Mark Morrison

EPCOR
Mark Morrison is a 24 year industry veteran with 20 years of experience working shiftwork at water treatment plants. His first Banff conference was way back in the 1980's as part of the brat pack running the hallways. Today it's his honour to share his insights on shiftwork and sleep... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:45am MDT

Session B - Back to the Well: Revisiting the Case for Direct Feed RO
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Exhibitors
DT

Daine Todd

Delco Water
Daine Todd will be presenting on behalf of Delco Water. Daine holds the position of Technical Sales Engineer for Alberta. He will be presenting an insightful talk titled "Back to the Well: Revisiting the Case for Direct Feed Reverse Osmosis”. Three pivotal case studies will be discussed... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:45am MDT

Session C - Service Lateral Maintenance Strategies
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Speakers
MW

Mark Wille

Strathcona County
avatar for Stefan Tirschmann

Stefan Tirschmann

Water and Wastewater Leadhand, Strathcona County
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

10:45am MDT

Session D - Effective Budgeting and Resource Allocation for Community Impact
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Speakers
SD

Scott Dallas

City of Red Deer / City of Lacombe
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:15am MDT

Session A - Saving Time and Money with an Operation and Maintenance Specialist
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Kerri Barenz

Kerri Barenz

Project Manager | Operation and Maintenance Specialist, Jacobs
Kerri is a water professional with over 14 years of hands-on experience in the industry. She has over a decade of experience as a certified operator in Manitoba, managing, operating and optimizing BNR facilities. Over the past decade her shifted her career to project management where... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:15am MDT

Session B - Operator Involvement and Leadership: Commissioning at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Speakers
AB

Anne Bridgman

Associated Engineering
JK

Jibin Kottayil

City of Calgary
Jibin graduated from SAIT and has worked as an operator for the past 10 years at the Bearspaw and Glenmore water treatment plants. He is currently a Level 2 water treatment operator for the City of Calgary.
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:15am MDT

Session C - See & Hear the 3-Types of Centrifugal Pump Cavitation
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Stefan Fediw

Stefan Fediw

John Brooks Company Limited
Stefan Fediw has been in the fluid transfer industry for over 25 years. In that time he hasworked for several pump manufacturers along with equipment distributors. For many years, Stefanalso taught several Millwright (night-school) College courses. In his current position, with John... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:15am MDT

Session D - “The Field of Dreams” – Water System Contamination to Recovery
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Speakers
GD

Grant Dixon

Associated Engineering
Grant is the Manager of the Regional Water Group for Associated Engineering as well as the Manager of the Advanced Technology Applications Infrastructure Management (ATAP). Grant has over 30 years of experience with a diverse background in water and wastewater for Municipal and First... Read More →
AM

Al MacAllister

Utilities Supervisor (Public Operations), City of St. Albert
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

12:00pm MDT

Lunch 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Thursday March 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Lunch on your own - please return for 1:30pm start

1:30pm MDT

Session A - Zero Chlorine Sensor – Key to Dechlorination
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Speakers
HS

Hashanth Sasitharan

Applications Engineer, Capital H20 Systems Inc.
Hashanth Sasitharan, P. Eng – Is an applications engineer with Capital H2O Systems who has been involved in the water and wastewater treatment industry for 5 years. His experience stems from participating in the consulting, design and commissioning of several Water Treatment facilities... Read More →
BS

Brett Smith

Municipal Lead – Western Canada, Prominent Fluid Controls
Brett Smith, Municipal Lead – Western Canada for Prominent Fluid Controls has over 20 years of Industrial Sales experience in Pumps, Valves, Instrumentation & Water Purification applications and is a graduate of NAIT’s Industrial Food Technology program.
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session B - Lessons Learned - Reverse Osmosis Package Integration to an Existing Facility
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Speakers
PP

Patrick Perera

Scovan Inc
Project Engineer in Alberta for over 17 yearsChemical Engineering graduate from University of Waterloo OntarioA member of AWWOA for 4 yearsOther interest included practicing communications with non-verbal Autistic son using RPM method
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session C - Sewer Force Mains “A Pro-active Approach to Asset Management of these Often-overlooked Buried Pipelines"
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Kelsey Schellenberg

Kelsey Schellenberg

SFE GLOBAL (SFE) is a municipal and industrial service company specializing in underground infrastructure assessment, monitoring, and environmental data management. We have been conducting services of this nature for Government, Consulting Engineers, and Industrial Clients since... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

1:30pm MDT

Session D - Decoding the Pump Curve and Other Pump Basics
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Speakers
BF

Bailey Ferguson

Associated Engineering
BH

Bob Hawboldt

Associated Engineering
Bob is Associated Engineering’s National Technical Specialist in Fluid Dynamics and works out of AE’s Saskatoon office. He provides technical support in hydraulics across the company and has particular interest in pumping systems, computational fluid dynamics and hydraulic transients... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:00pm MDT

Session A - Bridging the Gap: Integrating Real-Time Lab Data into Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations with VTSCADA; Low-cost Hardware; and Custom 3D Printing
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
LA

Lee Allen

City of Lethbridge
Lee has worked at Lethbridge WWTP for the past 13 years. He is a certified electronics engineering technologist and the senior automation developer / and SCADA integrator for the City of Lethbridge wastewater treatment plant. Lee has over 3 decades of experience working in industrial... Read More →
CM

Chase Morrell

City of Lethbridge
Chase has worked at Lethbridge WWTP for the past 9 years. He is a Level 2 Operator and his main areas of interest are in laboratory analysis and SCADA development. He was recently promoted to the position of System Integrator.
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:00pm MDT

Session B - Optimizing Freshwater Quality Through Advanced Ogygenation Techniques
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Ray Menard

Ray Menard

Managing Partner, ACC Water Solutions Inc
Ray Menard is the co-founder and managing partner at ACC Water Solutions Inc., bringing over a decade of expertise in diverse water environments, including recirculatory aquaculture, municipal raw water, stormwater, wastewater, and ecosystems such as lakes and ponds. At the helm of... Read More →
avatar for Dhaval Vaghasiya

Dhaval Vaghasiya

Environmental Scientist, ACC Water Solutions Inc.
Dhaval Vaghasiya, a chemical engineering graduate, completed a dual master's in Environmental Management and Energy & Environmental Engineering at the University of Calgary. This solidified his expertise in water and wastewater treatment, with a particular focus on aeration design... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:00pm MDT

Session C - Inflow & Infiltration Mitigation - For Operators
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Ravi Nagarajan

Ravi Nagarajan

Engineering Sales Manager, Carboline Global
Engineering Sales Manager for Carboline Global Inc for Western Canada, based in Calgary. He has twenty-five years’ experience in protective coating Industry spanning various roles including technical sales support and Inspection. He is an AMPP Senior Coating Inspector and Instructor... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:00pm MDT

Session D - Water Meter Exchange Program - It's All About Communication
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Speakers
LL

Leanne Lammertsen

Water and Wastewater Operations Manager, City of Lethbridge
DS

Dustin Smith

City of Lethbridge
avatar for Liam Nixon

Liam Nixon

Communications Strategist, City of Lethbridge
Liam joined the City of Lethbridge as a Communications Strategist in November 2023, bringing more than 15 years of experience in southern Alberta newsrooms. In his current role, he has led Communications for several key initiatives, including the Water Meter Upgrade Program, where... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

2:45pm MDT

Break
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Break
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session A - Dewatering Technology Upgrade: From Centrifuges to Rotary Presses
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
GK

Gareth Kingsford

Project and Maintenance Coordinator, Town of Banff
Project and Maintenance Coordinator for the Banff Water Services department.P. Eng with Apegga and NACE level 2 CIP.Professional engineer responsible for the execution of projects within the Water Services department for the Town of Banff over the past 6 years. Previous career in... Read More →
LT

Liva Tessier

Structural Engineer | Project Manager, Associated Engineering
Structural engineer and project manager with over 10 years of multi-disciplinary design and construction experience. Worked 4 years in Europe on large scale mixed-use and infrastructure projects before joining Associated Engineering in Canada. Consultant project manager for the dewatering... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session B - Lethbridge WTP Filter Capacity Upgrades
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
RK

Robert Keith

City of Lethbridge
avatar for Tyler Bennett

Tyler Bennett

President, Coagtech Ltd.
Tyler is a water and wastewater engineer with experience in design, construction, commissioning, operation, and optimization of complex water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems. During his master’s degree at the University of Alberta he began exploring the concept of... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:00pm MDT

Session D - Field Level Communication Enhancement
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Speakers
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:30pm MDT

Session A - Managing FOG in Your Wastewater System: A Pathway to Success
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Speakers
DA

Didier Arnould

Industrial Monitoring and Compliance Inspector, The City of Calgary, Water Quality and Regulatory Assurance
Didier has worked in the water industry at the City of Calgary for 20 years; though ironically, he is still not a big fan of swimming. He has spent the last 12 years as a dedicated Industrial Compliance Inspector, protecting wastewater infrastructure as well as the environment... Read More →
EY

Ethan Yeomans

City of Calgary
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:30pm MDT

Session B - City of Red Deer - Water Treatment Plant Liquid Ammonium Sulfate Upgrades
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia Lee

Cynthia Lee

Environmental Planning Engineer II, City of Red Deer
Cynthia Lee is an Environmental Planning Engineer with the City of Red Deer’s Utilities Department. She has a combined 7 years of experience working with municipal infrastructure, including design development, construction inspection, and project management of new or retrofits of... Read More →
JM

Jarrett McAuley

Water Specialist, City of Red Deer
Jarrett McAuley is an Environmental Services Specialist with the City of Red Deer’s Water Utility. Jarrett has 14 years of experience in Water Treatment which includes time as a treatment plant operator, developing trials for process optimization, assisting on capital projects... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

3:30pm MDT

Session D - Alberta Environment and Protected Areas – Certification Update
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Speakers
CD

Christine Donovan

Operator Certification Lead, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
TE

Tammy Elzinga

Operator Certification Coordinator, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

6:00pm MDT

Reception - Alpine Meadows
Thursday March 13, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

7:00pm MDT

Annual Banquet and Awards
Thursday March 13, 2025 7:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Ticketed Event - Annual Banquet - Special Presentation of the Past Chair Award and the Passing of the Gavel
Speakers
avatar for Chris  Huston

Chris Huston

Manager of Utilities, City of Lacombe
Manage water, wastewater, regional water and solid waste.
Thursday March 13, 2025 7:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

9:00pm MDT

Entertainment - Comedy Act
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Comedian Kelly Taylor will join us to provide the evening entertainment. Kelly Taylor made his mark early in comedy when he placed second in the prestigious Just for Laughs Homegrown competition.
Speakers
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff
 
Friday, March 14
 

8:30am MDT

Friday Session - Bearspaw South Feedermain Failure and Return to Service
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am MDT
On June 5, 2024, The City of Calgary experienced a catastrophic feedermain break on a 1950 mm transmission line. This line is Calgary’s largest and most critical portion of the feedermain network.

An emergency alert was sent out on June 6, requesting residents to conserve water as reservoir volumes depleted. Stage four water restrictions were put in place and strategies were implemented to sustain a summer of repairs. While significantly impacting the distribution system, the situation also required the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to sustain production near maximum levels, putting added pressure on other critical pump stations.

This session will highlight the impacts of the failure and return to service including:
  • assessment of the damage 
  • communication and actions taken by Water Services
  • impacts on surrounding water and wastewater systems
  • system stabilization and operation
  • consideration and operation of bypasses
  • creative repair and contractor options
  • flushing, de-chlorination and release into the river
  • learnings, failures and lessons
Speakers
PV

Patrick Van den Eynden

City of Calgary
BF

Brad Forsyth

City of Calgary
avatar for Dana Shirley

Dana Shirley

Supervisor, City of Calgary
TW

Toby Weickert

City of Calgary
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:45am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff

11:45am MDT

Seminar Closing Remarks
Friday March 14, 2025 11:45am - 11:50am MDT
Thank you for attending the 49th Annual Seminar! Safe travels home!
Speakers
Friday March 14, 2025 11:45am - 11:50am MDT
Banff Park Lodge 201 Lynx Street, Banff
 
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