2025 award winners (pictured from left to right): Monica Bramley, City of Calgary; Carl Yates, Yates Water Management; Lou Di Gironimo, Toronto Water.

Celebrating Canadian leadership in water

Canadian Water Network (CWN) is proud to host an awards program recognizing individuals whose leadership is transforming the water sector in Canada.

Presented annually, these awards honour exceptional leaders whose dedication and impact are helping build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water future. From utility transformation to trailblazing governance, these recipients exemplify the leadership our sector needs — today and into the future.

Three inaugural CWN leadership awards were presented at Blue Cities 2025 to honour outstanding individuals who are shaping the future of water in Canada.

2025 RISING WAVE
Monica Bramley, Manager of Utility Project Development at the City of Calgary

Monica’s leadership was pivotal when Calgary faced the Bearspaw South feedermain crisis. She was one of the first called on the night of the break and led the engineering planning team through months of emergency response. Her calm leadership, insight, and commitment to integrated water planning signal a bright future for the sector.

2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Carl Yates, Principal of Yates Water Management Inc. and Chair of CWN

A trailblazer in water governance, Carl’s 40-year career includes 25 years as General Manager of Halifax Water, where he led the integration of water, wastewater, and stormwater services; the first utility of its kind in Canada. He also served as interim CEO of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, Canada’s first Indigenous water utility. Carl guided CWN through pivotal transitions as Board chair (six years) and director (12 years).

2025 BLUE IMPACT
Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager of Toronto Water

A trusted leader in the Canadian water sector for over 30 years, Lou has led Toronto Water since 2005, transforming one of North America’s largest utilities. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership, Lou has built strong relationships across government and industry that have advanced water resilience across the country.

Rising Wave

Presented to a Municipal Water Consortium member in the first five years of management who:

  • Is an impactful leader.
  • Mentors their team.
  • Innovates to solve complex problems.
  • Demonstrates competence, agility, and adaptability.

Blue Impact

Presented to a Municipal Water Consortium member at the executive level who:

  • Represents excellence in utility leadership.
  • Sets clear direction and goals.
  • Is future-focused with an innovation mindset.
  • Demonstrates superior change management.

Lifetime Achievement

Presented to a retiring Municipal Water Consortium member who:

  • Exemplifies visionary utility leadership.
  • Mentors other leaders.
  • Advances equity.
  • Has gone above and beyond to enhance the sector in Canada.