On March 26 and 27, 2024, the Source to Stream Conference made its annual return, presenting more than 50 speakers and attracting 770 delegates.
Hosted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), this event unites individuals across sectors – from government and academia to industry and grassroots organizations.
The Source to Stream Conference sheds light on projects and initiatives related to sustainable water management, protection and restoration of natural features, management of urban runoff, and green infrastructure solutions.
At the heart of the conference is a shared mission: to create sustainable and resilient communities for future generations and find holistic, innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.
This year, attendees immersed themselves in a collaborative environment designed to inspire innovation and drive actionable change. With an interactive trade show featuring more than 70 exhibits and representatives from leading solution providers, participants seized the opportunity to build new partnerships, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions.
John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer of TRCA and Quentin Hanchard, Chief Administrative Officer of CVC, delivered opening remarks, setting a celebratory tone.
In his remarks, Mr. MacKenzie looked towards the future, acknowledging the role that advanced research and technology, including AI, will play in shaping the direction of the stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and stream restoration industries. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagement in addressing urgent environmental challenges.
Renowned speakers from across North America offered insights on the latest advancements in stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and natural channel design, underscoring the increasing urgency to address issues such as climate change, aging infrastructure, housing demands, and increasing flood risks.
Participants enjoyed the opportunity to attend 37 different presentations addressing these critical topics. Highlights included:
- Naturalization of the Don River Mouth: A Component of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project in Toronto, delivered by Ken Dion and Netami Stuart of Waterfront Toronto. This presentation focused on the construction of two new naturalized river outlets for the Don River, to provide flood protection to 250 hectares of land in the broader Port Lands area.
- Leveraging Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Aging Infrastructure. This talk, presented by Marya Jetten from Jacobs, emphasized the value of innovative, AI-driven solutions to optimize decision-making and refine system management and intervention strategies for sewers and watermains.
In addition, pre-conference training courses provided invaluable educational opportunities, empowering attendees with skills to drive change in their communities.
The Source to Stream Conference provides more than just a networking opportunity; it serves as a platform for deepening understanding and mobilizing collective action. Participants left the 2024 event enriched with actionable insights and practical strategies to address both local and global challenges.
TRCA extends its gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and delegates whose support each year helps to make Source to Stream North America’s premier stormwater and erosion control event. Together, we are paving the way towards a more sustainable future.
The Source to Stream Conference is an initiative through the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP), a partnership program of TRCA, CVC, and LSRCA. Learn more about STEP.