Waterpower Confirmed as key to Ontario's Climate Change Strategy

Power of Water Canada Conference Once Again Largest in the Country

NIAGARA, Oct. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Waterpower Association's (OWA) 16th annual Power of Water Canada conference and tradeshow, being held this week in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is now underway. Once again the conference is the largest gathering of the hydroelectric sector in Canada. This year's opening keynote speaker, the Honourable Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) confirmed the "all government" approach to addressing the intersection of energy and climate change policy.

"Renewable energy is an important part of Ontario's climate change strategy and waterpower is uniquely positioned to help the province achieve our climate change objectives," said Minister McGarry. "Ontario's waterpower industry is already recognized as a global leader. Now, you have the opportunity to help lead the province's transition to a lower carbon economy."

"I am extremely pleased with the Minister's recognition of and support for waterpower," said Paul Norris, President of the OWA. "It is clear that planned hydro expansion can play an integral role in the achievement of the province's energy and environmental objectives."

Minister McGarry also took the opportunity to inform participants of an important advancement in MNRF's continued modernization of approvals under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA).

"I am pleased to announce that earlier this month my Ministry released an LRIA Technical Bulletin to provide clarity and certainty to your industry and stakeholders", added Minister McGarry. "This new technical bulletin sets out the ministry's expectation for water management plans to be maintained as long term resource management and regulatory documents, and my ministry will work with dam owners to transition existing plans to these new requirements."

The Power of Water Canada Conference is an annual event attracting participants from across Ontario and Canada, the United States and around the globe. An estimated four hundred (400) delegates and over sixty vendors make the forum the premier of its kind in the country.

The OWA was founded in 2001 to represent the common and collective interests of the province's original green energy sector – waterpower. More than 160 members are committed to advancing resource management and sustainable development. www.owa.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Waterpower Association

please contact: Stephanie Landers, Ontario Waterpower Association, Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator, 866-743-1500 ex. 25, [email protected]