The major issues confronting the Grand River watershed, from population growth to climate change, will be the subject of presentations at the eighth annual Grand River Watershed Water Forum here on Sept. 19 .
The event, which attracts about 400 participants, takes place at the head office of the Grand River Conservation Authority, at 400 Clyde Rd. from 8am to 3:30pm. Registration is open to the public and details about the program, speakers, and registration (including an online registration process), can be found in the Water Forum section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca.
The registration fee of $90, or $55 for students and seniors, includes lunch. The theme for the forum is Reflecting Change – Mirrored in the Water, and addresses the impact that human activities have on water quality and water supplies. The nationally- and internationally-known speakers will address current water issues and show how research and applied science can help bring about improvements.
Keynote speakers at the event include: Isobel Heathcote, James P. Bruce, Rob de Loë, Paul Emerson, Mark Servos, Eva G. Abal, and Gord Miller.
The forum will also include a panel discussion entitled Thinking Beyond the Status Quo with panelists Gerry Wheeler of the City of Guelph, Oliver M. Brandes of the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance at the University of Victoria, Jim Brickman of the Brick Brewing Company, and Don Lewis of the Ontario Centres of Excellence.
In addition to the presentations and panels, there will be displays and exhibits highlighting innovative water technologies and services, as well as the environmental programs of business, government agencies, and environmental organizations.
