Hydropower – The Power to Lead
We are delighted to host this year’s symposium in Niagara Falls! We will explore how hydropower is enabling the future.
Throughout history, from pioneering vast hydropower projects globally to pushing to develop smarter solutions, as an industry we have kept a well-trained eye on the future. We have a long history of providing innovative, sustainable approaches and solutions in the hydropower industry, dating back to the founding of the H.G. Acres engineering consulting company in 1924. Hatch, which acquired the firm in 2004, is proud to continue this 100-year legacy of success.
This year’s symposium features presentations and interactive discussions with global industry experts covering a range of topics, including:
- Hydro development with First Nations leadership
- Unlocking potential: How inclusive design can future-proof your project
- Mobilizing the workforce, hydro and dam skills for a better world, and more!
Further details can be found in the agenda below.
We are also celebrating our 100 years in hydropower by looking at the past, present, and future with a special event at the iconic Niagara Power Station on April 29.
Advances in technology and digitalization are opening a new era of possibilities and opportunities. Small hydro is becoming more economical. Repowering and refurbishing existing facilities are more feasible. New and large projects are now more plausible, and hydroelectric power is supporting increased grid reliability.
With so much riding on finding new sources of clean, affordable electric power, we must collectively strive to develop innovative approaches and cost-effective solutions.
We look forward to welcoming you at our reception on Sunday, April 28, 2024, followed by the two-day symposium.
We are excited to reconnect and celebrate!
RSVP
Join us on April 28-30, 2024
Fallsview Casino Resort Grand Hall E & D
6380 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7X5
6380 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 7X5
Accommodation
Fallsview Casino Resort
For individual reservations call 1-888-325-5788 and request the Hatch block of rooms.
A block of rooms has been reserved for Hatch’s guests for the discounted rate of $229 per night.
Please book your hotel accommodation by Thursday, April 4, 2024.
More information about hotel here
Location
Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada
Grand Halls E & D
H. G. Acres Symposium | April 28-30, 2024
Presenters
Matt Ladner
Director, Indigenous and Community Affairs, Northland Power
Jakub Gara
Regional Manager, eGRID, Hatch
Kat Peterson
Hydropower specialist, Dams & Levees, Hatch
Jonathan Nickel
Mechanical Project Leader, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Robin Charlwood
Dam Safety and Hydro Rehabilitation Consultant, Former Vice-President of Acres/Hatch
Nikou Jalayeri
Alberta Regional Manager, Hydropower & Dams, Hatch
Caleb Coughlin
Senior Regulatory Specialist, Hatch
Krista MacDonald
Project Manager, Rehabilitation, Mactaquac Life Achievement Project, New Brunswick Power
Osama Ghani
Fuel Program Specialist, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Kurt Kornelsen
Director of Environment and Climate Change, Ontario Power Generation
Lisa MacTavish
Project Lead – Resilience, Environment and Climate, City of Toronto
Gilbert Bennett
President, WaterPower Canada
Mike Peters
Director of Public Affairs for Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable
Mimi Ginger Wilde
Regional Manager, Nuclear, Canada, Hatch
Derek Vanstone
Global Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Hatch
Kathleen Vukovics
Global Director of Operations, Environment and Sustainability, Hatch
Giuseppe Del Gobbo
Discipline Lead, Structural, Hatch
Marie-Hélène Briand
Hydroelectric and Coastal Engineering Consultant, Hatch
Martin Dodge
Regional Manager, Hydropower and Dams, Quebec, Hatch
Raj Mannem
Project Manager, Hatch
Emily Kovacs
CEO, Niagara Folk Arts
Mark Chapeskie
Vice President, Electricity Human Resources Canada
Sophie Alrhieh
Regional Manager, Hydropower, Ontario, Hatch
Robby Sohi
Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President, Markets and Reliability, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
Philip Murray
Global Director, Management and Delivery, Hatch
Laura Twigge-Molecey
Managing Director, Transportation, Hatch
Gurinderbir Sooch
Global Lead, Advanced Dam Engineering, Hatch
Dan Kell
Senior Director, Power Transmission and Integration, Hatch
Bryan Karney
Consultant, HydraTek/Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Toronto
Steve Bohrn
Senior Hydrotechnical Engineer, Hatch
Sue Prince
Indigenous Relations Specialist, Hatch
Wayne Ross
President, Coral Rapids Power
Jim Sarvinis
Global Managing Director, Energy, Hatch
Agenda
Day 1
28 Apr 2024
Day 2
29 Apr 2024
Day 3
30 Apr 2024
17:00-20:00
R5 Lounge, Fallsview Casino Resort
07:30-08:30
Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
08:30-09:00
Welcome and opening remarks and Strong Water Singers
Enjoy a performance by the award-winning Strong Water Singers, an Indigenous collective of drummers from across the Niagara region.
Jim Sarvinis
09:00-10:00
Fireside chat: Hydro development with First Nations leadership
A discussion with the President of Coral Rapids (a company wholly owned by Taykwa Tagamou Nation) on their community’s journey in the development of the Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station... Read More
Sue Prince
Wayne Ross
10:00-10:30
Ensuring a 100-year lifespan, Mactaquac life achievement
The Mactaquac Generating Station is a run of the river hydro facility located approximately twenty kilometers west of the City of Fredericton. The facility was constructed in the 1960s and... Read More
Krista MacDonald
10:30-11:00
Coffee break | networking | Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
Community engagement and social risk panel discussion
Communities increasingly expect to be engaged and consulted on decisions regarding the future of energy generation, whether it be new greenfield project development, or upgrades of existing infrastructure. In Ontario,... Read More
Matt Ladner
Mike Peters
Kathleen Vukovics
Robby Sohi
12:00-13:15
Lunch buffet| Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
13:15-14:10
Stream 1: Maple Room
Hydro and dam skills for a better world: quebrada El León and Chavimochic projects
The government of Peru is investing in infrastructure improvement projects for a sustainable economy and public safety. The Hatch Hydropower and Dams team is supporting some of the more strategic developments... Read More
Marie-Hélène Briand
Stream 2: Halls E&D
Mobilizing the workforce panel discussion
With all the important work needed to meet climate goals, resourcing projects is proving to be a major challenge for the Power industry. This panel will discuss what industry and... Read More
Giuseppe Del Gobbo
Emily Kovacs
Mark Chapeskie
Bryan Karney
14:15-14:45
Stream 1: Halls E&D
Mitre Gate Rehabilitation/Replacement
The Welland Canal provides a vital navigation channel for vessels traveling between Lakes Erie and Ontario. The present canal has been in service for nearly 95 years and contains approximately... Read More
Jonathan Nickel
14:15-14:45
Stream 2: Maple Room
Unlocking potential: How inclusive design can future-proof your project
Diverse and inclusive (D&I) design is a concept gaining momentum. In the current climate, now more than ever, many companies are looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion as part of... Read More
Laura Twigge-Molecey
14:45-15:15
Coffee break | Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
15:15-16:00
Stream 1: Halls E&D
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) existing facilities authorization process
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) existing facilities authorization process: What we know and what owners should expect Presented by Hatch’s Senior Regulatory Specialist Caleb Coughlin in collaboration with... Read More
Caleb Coughlin
15:15-16:00
Stream 2: Maple Room
How transmission can enable successful hydropower projects
To enable the energy transformation, it is understood that a tremendous amount of new generation is required, of which hydro generation should play a major role in. In order to... Read More
Dan Kell
17:00
Departure from Fallsview hotel | Transportation provided
17:30 - 22:00
Celebrating 100 years in hydropower | Niagara Parks Power Station
Inside the Power Station This not-to-be-missed experience offers an opportunity to be part of a thrilling revival, and a chance to discover the incredible history and heritage of this celebrated... Read More
07:30 - 08:30
Breakfast | Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
08:30 - 09:30
Keynote – 100 years in hydropower: past, present, future
As we are celebrating our 100 years in hydropower, we look to the past to reflect on what was. We’ll then move through to the present to benchmark how far... Read More
Kat Peterson
Robin Charlwood
Nikou Jalayeri
09:30 - 10:00
Safeguarding communities, Fargo-Moorhead flood risk management project
The Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion initiative aims to safeguard North Dakota and Minnesota from frequent Red River floods, which have increased in frequency since 1990 and worsened since 2015. As part... Read More
Raj Mannem
Steve Bohrn
10:00 - 10:30
Integrated project delivery model
Have you heard of Collaborative contract models? Whether it’s Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) or Alliances, join this session to find out how collaborative contract models can help you deliver your... Read More
Philip Murray
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee break | networking | Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
11:00 - 11:30
How policy is shaping the Canadian hydropower industry discussion
Gilbert Bennett
Derek Vanstone
11:30-12:00
Powering the future: Innovation in Asset Management across Power
This presentation will highlight the intersection of technology and asset management practices, driving efficiency and resilience across the power sector. Join in to explore the evolving landscape of asset... Read More
Jakub Gara
12:00 - 13:15
Lunch buffet | Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Halls E&D
13:15-13:45
Stream 1: Halls E&D
Asset integrity, life extension, and refurbishment.
How to navigate across the technical and economic challenges of extending hydropower equipment life in a period of increased cost, labor shortage, and loss of expertise.
Martin Dodge
13:15 - 13:45
Stream 2: Maple Room
Data, systems, and decision analytic tools for today’s hydropower
This presentation highlights various methodologies for addressing complexities and enhancing decision-making in hydropower systems. It highlights three primary approaches, each addressing a unique aspect of hydropower and dams. The... Read More
Sophie Alrhieh
Stream 1: Halls E&D
Climate resilience and adaptive management across industries panel discussion
Osama Ghani
Kurt Kornelsen
Lisa MacTavish
Mimi Ginger Wilde
13:50 - 14:45
Stream 2: Maple Room
Finite element analysis (FEA) – past, present, prospects
FEA’s journey in Hatch, from its historical roots to its current state, and the exciting prospects ahead.
Gurinderbir Sooch
14:45 - 15:00
POWERING POSITIVE CHANGE, TOGETHER
This event is by invitation only. Limited seating.
Having trouble registering? Please contact us at hgacressymposium@hatch.com
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