Welcome to Canadian Water Network’s Spring 2025 newsletter. I wish I could bring only good news, but the reality is that — like all Canadians — all of us in the water sector are navigating challenging times. As a result, CWN is doubling down on generating solutions and strategies to help everyone better prepare for the choppy waters ahead. Our flagship Blue Cities event (May 14-15 in Mississauga) will focus on the strategic management of risk in uncertain times. We will bring great minds together, including leading experts, practitioners, senior decision makers and colleagues from other sectors. This special edition of News Splash shines a spotlight on some of the critical and timely national conversations that will take place at Blue Cities.

Dive into my interview with Blue Cities keynote Dr. Deb Chachra, author of How Infrastructure Works. Her expansive knowledge on the history of infrastructure systems and how they lift and impact our lives is a reminder that we are making history with every decision we make. Deb voices a compelling argument that current conditions are ripe for transforming infrastructure networks so that they are more equitable, resilient, sustainable and effective.

Our Water Leader Spotlight features Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager of Toronto Water, who will chair our Blue Cities panel on strategies for securing investments and controlling cost escalation in infrastructure delivery.

I am not one to be easily discouraged; neither are our colleagues in the Canadian water sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that Canadians are a practical, caring and resilient people. CWN intends to leverage the talent and breadth of experience in the networks and relationships we support to get us through these unprecedented times.

I have one last and important message for our American colleagues, and those working for America-based companies in Canada. The U.S. government’s decisions are hurting us. They have already wreaked havoc on our economy and damaged our close bilateral relationship. Many Canadians will lose their jobs, and many will find it difficult to make ends meet. Similar impacts will be felt in the U.S. There will be very real cost impacts affecting the maintenance and expansion of critical water services and infrastructure. We will all lose out, and only a select few will gain. Yet, we will not let politically motivated decisions drive a wedge between us. We have been — and will remain — good friends and important colleagues. We ask that you raise your voice against these punitive economic policies with your elected officials. Despite the needless chaos, we must continue to work together towards our shared goal of a water-secure future for both of our countries.

I hope to see you at Blue Cities in May.

Yours in friendship,

Nicola