Driving innovation in water and wastewater technology
Driving innovation in the water and wastewater sector, Fleming College is the first college in Canada to receive funding from Natural Sciences Engineering and Research Council (NSERC) to host a major conference bringing together municipalities, academics and industry experts to discuss water issues.
Hosted by the provincial Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Water Innovation in Action was held in Toronto on Feb. 27. NSERC provided $25,000 in funding to Fleming College to co-organize the event under the Partnerships Workshop Program.
The event, held at Ontario Place, began with Minister of Environment Jim Bradley and Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment Eric Hoskins providing government support for innovation in the water sector. About 200 individuals attended the conference – including academic researchers, utilities, technology companies and government – creating a dialogue on national water issues. The event also offered opportunities for new partnerships and collaborations. A report will be published showcasing the results of the workshops.
“Water Innovation in Action was a refreshing change for Ontario’s water sector. Rather than spending the day talking about the challenges that the industry faces, delegates shared stories of success and collaboration. This gathering proved that Ontario has what it takes to become a global leader in the water space. It’s an exciting time for the province,” said Kerry Freek, Editor, Water Canada.
About the Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment
Fleming College is home to the Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT) and its Director and Senior Scientist Brent Wootton – also the current Chair of WaterTAP – emceed the conference. The CAWT specializes in applied research on alternative, innovative and emerging water and wastewater technologies. The facility, located at Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario, is currently collaborating with more than 50 Canadian companies, 14 universities and numerous government departments on research and development, commercialization, demonstration, and technology verification projects.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Community Development and Health, Continuing Education, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Justice and Business, Skilled Trades and Technology, General Arts, and Science and Visual Arts. Fleming College has more than 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 63,000 alumni.
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For more information:
Laura Copeland, Communications Officer, 705-749-5530 x 1370 or copeland@flemingc.on.ca