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Celebrating Our One Water Sector in Victoria
May 8, 2025
The 53rd BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show made a splash in beautiful Victoria, BC this year! Over 1,200 water professionals gathered for three packed days of networking, learning and celebrating the incredible work happening across the water and wastewater sector in BC and the Yukon.
This year’s theme, “One Water, One Future,” reminded us that water connects everything – our communities, our environment, and our shared future. The conference brought this to life through over 90+ education sessions focused on today’s most pressing water challenges, including climate change, conservation, aging infrastructure, workforce development and emerging contaminants, to name a few.
We were honoured to open the sessions with a welcome and land acknowledgment from a local First Nation’s speaker Nuumtunat whose English name is Florence Dick. Nuumtunat is a member of the Songhees Nation and was born in raised in Lekwungen Territory. Nuumtunat offered powerful reflections during the speech on the deep cultural and spiritual relationship with water. This meaningful opening set the stage for a truly inspiring keynote from Geoff Green, polar adventurer, educator and founder of Students on Ice. Geoff shared captivating stories from his expeditions through the polar regions and around Canada’s expansive coastline (the longest in the world!), highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from the local communities who depend on and protect these water sources. His journey underscored the importance of understanding and appreciating the water we use and the role we all play in safeguarding it.
Trade Show Highlights
The Trade Show floor was buzzing with energy as over 170 exhibitors showcased the latest technologies, products and services shaping the future of water. The Industry Innovation Showcase returned in a new, engaging one-on-one interview format. Host Zane Spencer from MPE, a division of Englobe, visited each presenter’s trade show booth to get an inside scoop on their product offerings, how they work and how the company is innovating the industry. Missed out on the action? Check out the link below to view the interviews conducted as part of our new format for this year’s Industry Innovation Showcase!
Tap Water Taste Test Recap
What does the best water in BC taste like? Our “Best of the Best” Tap Water Taste Test featured 11 municipalities divided into three categories: small, medium and large water systems. The water was judged based on multiple factors, including aroma, taste, clarity and overall quality by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Mayor Marianne Alto, City of Victoria
- Christine Spitzley, Vice President at American Water Works Association (AWWA) & Principal at OHM Advisors
- Paul Schuler, WEF Representative & Senior Strategic Advisor at Carollo Engineers
- Robert Haller, Executive Director at Canadian Water & Wastewater Association (CWWA)
From small towns to big cities, this friendly competition was all about celebrating the high-quality water our systems deliver and acknowledge the people who ensure these standards are always met at the highest level. Congratulations to three water providers who won this year’s competition:
- Christoph Moch, Capital Regional District (Large Water System)
- Bob Clarke, District of Hope (Medium Water System)
- Chris Stanger, Town of Qualicum Beach (Small Water System)
Return of the Operator Challenge
The Operator Challenge returned to this year’s conference with full force as teams competed in the Pipe Repair Challenge and “Test the Waters” trivia showdown. This year, we were excited to have four incredible teams participate: Capital Regional District (CRD) team, City of Victoria team, District of Lillooet team and the First Nations team (sponsored by the EOCP), made up of passionate operators from the Nanoose and Neskonlith First Nations. Each team showcased their expertise, skill and enthusiasm at the challenge.
Congratulations to this year’s winners, the Capital Regional District (CRD) team and the champions Luke Chamberlin, Steve O’Keefe and Simon Chettleburgh! The competition was a great opportunity to celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the water sector!
Networking, Receptions and Awards
The conference wasn’t just about education and competition; it was also a time for networking and building stronger connections within the water community. Presidents and young professionals, students, exhibitors and volunteers came together to contribute to the conversations and share their experiences working in the One Water sector. Our reception events provided a chance to reflect on the industry’s achievements and discuss the future of water in BC and the Yukon.
The conversation then shifted to recognizing the leaders during Tuesday’s Awards Lunch, where BCWWA recognized professionals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the water sector. This event honoured those who have led innovation, advanced practices and made a lasting impact on the industry. The day ended with a magical reception, where live entertainment from a magician added a magical touch to the conference’s wrap-up event.
We look forward to continuing the conversations, partnerships and innovations that were ignited at this year’s conference. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated and contributed to the success of the BCWWA 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show. We can’t wait to see you again next year at our 2026 BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show in Penticton, BC, April 29 – May 1, 2026.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
The BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show is only possible with the support of our sponsors. The BCWWA extends our utmost gratitude to these organizations for supporting our Annual Conference & Trade Show and for making it the premier water and wastewater event in BC and the Yukon.