Because of the pandemic, 2020 is a year like no other; that also goes for this year’s Consortium Leadership Group (CLG) meeting. Usually, members come together at a face-to-face meeting to discuss and share ideas about pressing municipal/utility matters. It is also an opportunity to meet up with colleagues from across Canada and grow your network. All of which is done to accelerate, advance and improve municipal water management decision-making.

This year our CLG meeting was hosted using technology to connect us online. The CLG met during three virtual 90-minute sessions over three consecutive days using a new platform that simulated a conference hall. There were tables where you could meet up with colleagues, network and have in-depth discussions with a smaller group. Although not as ideal as meeting in-person, this innovative format was well-received.

During the meeting, we highlighted and discussed regional and national trends in the municipal water sector during the first session. Financial sustainability and human capital came to the top of the list of priorities and focus of utilities in the near-term.

The common understanding from day one laid the foundation for our discussions on day two about resilience and total utility management. Many participants noted that utilities have adapted well over the last nine months in response to the pandemic. Our discussion on human capital indicated that deliberate, structured sharing of information across functions and departments plays a key role in helping to build resiliency. The last session reflected on organizational resilience with keynote speaker, Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc. She characterized the eight elements of resilience for organizations and the need for organizations to have a solid risk management system that captures both the internal and external drivers of an organization.

If you missed any of the sessions or would like to refer back to the topics discussed, the presentations can be found here:

A recording of Dr. Bonime-Blanc’s presentation is also available:

As we move toward 2021, establishing deliberate sessions for connecting Municipal Consortium members becomes even more important. With help from CWN’s team, 2021 will bring more opportunities for engagement with your peers from across the country.

All the best,

Sandra