On May 13, thirty-six members representing 23 municipalities from CWN’s Municipal Water Consortium gathered in Mississauga for in-person discussion. The meeting fostered a highly engaging and collaborative environment, bringing together municipal water utility leaders to exchange insights, strengthen connections, and address current and future challenges in municipal water management.
The meeting also helped set the stage for deeper conversations at the Blue Cities conference later that week. Participants were well placed to contribute to conversations around sustainable finance planning, water servicing for growing municipalities and modernizing infrastructure delivery models.
Shared challenge: Cost escalation
One of the key themes discussed was the escalating cost of water infrastructure projects. Members noted that rising costs are not isolated occurrences but rather a widespread and persistent challenge impacting municipalities and utilities across the country.
The drivers of cost escalation stem from both external and internal factors. External pressures include high inflation rates, elevated risk premiums in contractor bids, skilled labor shortages and shifts in provincial policy. Internally, escalating costs are often linked to project complexity and delays caused by slow internal approval processes and procedural inefficiencies.
The conversation highlighted the importance of proactive, deliberate approaches rather than reactive measures. Members shared various mitigation strategies they have successfully used, such as restructuring debt, unbundling (or bundling) of projects, optimizing procurement processes and rethinking traditional project delivery models to better navigate today’s evolving economic pressures.
The value of coming together
Face-to-face interaction offers a unique and powerful dynamic. It encourages deeper conversations, stronger connections and more effective problem-solving than emails or virtual meetings alone can provide.
When Consortium members meet in person, ideas flow more freely, barriers are lowered, and dialogue becomes more actionable. This meeting demonstrated that dynamic clearly. Participants moved beyond surface-level discussions and learned new approaches from their peers. The richness of these interactions enhances decision-making and helps ensure that shared ideas lead to tangible next steps.
Looking ahead
Key insights from this meeting will be captured in a follow-up document to support continued reflection and action. As municipalities and utilities face evolving challenges, ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing will remain essential.
This meeting is just one step in a larger journey. The work will continue through future engagements shared initiatives and a collective commitment to progress.
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New brochure: Showcasing the value of the Municipal Water Consortium
Also at the meeting, participants were introduced to a new publication from the Municipal Water Consortium: The Value of the Municipal Water Consortium. This concise, four-page brochure highlights the compelling benefits of membership, including opportunities to learn from peers, access timely research and curated resources, and implement cost-saving strategies that reduce risk. It also outlines how the Consortium supports its members through in-person meetings, strategic sharing groups and flagship events like the Blue Cities conference. Whether you’re a current member or considering joining, this brochure offers a clear picture of how the Consortium helps municipalities thrive.
Download a copy here.