What You Need to H2Know

In this episode of What You Need to H2Know, host Michele Grenier is joined by Tom Woodcock, President of the Ontario Water Works Association and Principal & Manager of Instrumentation & Controls at R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.Tom’s journey through the water sector offers a unique perspective—starting with early involvement in the Young Professionals community and growing into a leadership role at the highest level of the association. He shares how his experience in consulting and technical specialization has shaped his approach to leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the industry.The conversation explores Tom’s path into the water sector, his progression within OWWA, and reflections on his time as President—including the initiatives, challenges, and moments he’s most proud of. Tom also discusses how OWWA has evolved over the years, the importance of engaging the next generation of water professionals, and what today’s young leaders are looking for in professional communities.Looking ahead, Tom shares his perspective on the future of Ontario’s water sector, including emerging challenges around digital systems, automation, and integration—and what gives him optimism about the road ahead.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, on-site, or taking a break—press play and hear from a leader whose journey shows the impact of getting involved and giving back.Learn more and get involved:🌊 Register for Nextwave 2026: https://owwa.ca/event/ontarios-water-conference-trade-show-2026/📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Ontario’s water community!

We’re back with a milestone tenth episode of What You Need to H2Know!In this episode, host Michele Grenier is joined by Sam Gagnon, Alternate Delivery Manager with North America Construction (NAC) and Chair of the OWWA Construction Committee. Sam brings a wealth of experience in collaborative and alternative delivery models, working across all phases of water infrastructure projects—from early design through construction, commissioning, and handover.Sam shares his career journey into the construction side of the water industry, what drew him to engineering, and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on successful project delivery. He also offers insights into why the industry is increasingly embracing collaborative delivery approaches and the key challenges municipalities face when delivering complex infrastructure projects.The conversation also highlights the success of the OWWA Construction Seminar—one of the association’s most anticipated events—and explores the motivation and impact behind the Construction Committee’s recent white paper on Product Procurement Methods, a valuable resource for municipal owners and project teams navigating procurement decisions.Learn more and get involved:🔧 OWWA Construction Committee: https://owwa.ca/owwa-committees/construction-committee/📄 Product Procurement White Paper: https://owwa.ca/app/uploads/2026/02/OWWA-Construction-White-Paper_Product-Procurement-Methods-R14_Shared.pdf🌊 Register for NextWave 2026: https://owwa.ca/event/ontarios-water-conference-trade-show-2026/Sam’s story underscores the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in building resilient and effective water infrastructure systems.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, on-site, or taking a break—press play and hear from a leader helping shape the future of construction in Ontario’s water sector.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people making waves across the industry!

In this episode, we sit down with Richie Cotterill, who brings more than 20 years of experience across manufacturing, distribution, and supplier engagement in the water sector. Richie reflects on his hands-on career path, the importance of welcoming new voices into the industry, and how OWWA events and volunteerism help strengthen connections across the sector.📌 Topics covered:✅ Leadership through relationships and inclusivity✅ The value of engagement and community-building✅ Richie’s vision for a connected water sector

In this episode of Flowing into Leadership, we feature Anna Comerton, a process engineer and project manager with more than 25 years of experience in the water industry. Anna discusses her early involvement with OWWA through the student chapter at the University of Toronto, her leadership roles on the Water Treatment Committee and the CWWA Drinking Water Quality Committee, and the values that guide her work across municipal, Indigenous, and private sector projects.📌 Topics covered:✅ A career rooted in water quality and treatment excellence✅ The role of technical committees in shaping the sector✅ Anna’s perspective on OWWA’s strategic impact

This episode features Diane Moreau, a municipal water operations leader with nearly 20 years of experience delivering safe and reliable drinking water. Diane discusses her leadership journey, her involvement in OWWA’s education and certification programs, and how she approaches decision-making with both strategy and empathy.📌 Topics covered:✅People-focused leadership in municipal operations✅ The role of education and certification in workforce resilience✅ Diane’s vision for OWWA member support

We’re launching the 2026 Flowing into Leadership podcast series with Matthew Coleman, a Professional Engineer with 18 years of experience in the water sector spanning municipal utilities, consulting, service provision, and international projects. In this episode, Matthew reflects on his journey into water, the lessons he has learned working across four continents, and how his time volunteering with OWWA, including serving as Chair of the Distribution Committee, has shaped his perspective on leadership and member service.Matthew also shares his thoughts on where OWWA can have the greatest impact in the years ahead and how a data-driven and efficient approach can help deliver value to Ontario’s water professionals.📌 Topics covered:✅ A global career rooted in a passion for water✅ Leadership lessons from utilities, consulting, and volunteer service✅ Matthew’s vision for OWWA and Board governance📢 Stay tuned for more candidate spotlights as we introduce the full slate of 2026 Board candidates.🔗 Learn more about OWWA: https://owwa.ca/

Welcome to a special episode of What You Need to H2Know, the podcast that highlights the people, places, and projects shaping Ontario’s water community. This episode, From Strategy to Influence: Building OWWA’s Advocacy Roadmap, focuses on advocacy, policy, and government relations within Ontario’s drinking water sector.Host Michele Grenier, Executive Director of the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA), is joined by Deborah Goudreau, Manager of Plant Operations with the City of Hamilton and an OWWA Board Member and AWWA Director for the Ontario Section. She is also joined by Christina Marciano, Vice President and Environment Practice Group Lead, and Faria Amin, Associate in Environment, both from Sussex Strategy Group.Together, they discuss why advocacy has become a strategic priority for OWWA, how the organization approached its advocacy audit, and what it means to move toward a more intentional and coordinated government relations strategy. The conversation explores the evolving policy environment, the value of advocacy for OWWA members, and how clear priorities and consistent messaging help strengthen the sector’s collective voice.Listeners will also hear insights into career paths in government relations, key themes that emerged from the advocacy audit, and what success looks like as OWWA works toward its 2026 goals.Whether you are curious about how advocacy works behind the scenes or want to better understand how OWWA is representing the interests of Ontario’s drinking water sector, this episode offers practical insight and forward-looking perspective. 💧👉 Learn more about OWWA’s advocacy and policy work at owwa.ca

Welcome to the eighth episode of What You Need to H2Know, the podcast that highlights the people, places, and projects shaping Ontario’s water community. In this episode, host Michele Grenier, Executive Director of the Ontario Water Works Association, is joined by Michelle Scott, a Consulting Engineer at CIMA+ based in Kitchener, Ontario. With seven years of experience in the municipal water sector, Michelle specializes in hydraulic modelling of water distribution systems, helping communities plan for safe and reliable drinking water. Beyond her technical role, she currently serves as Chair of OWWA’s Water for People Committee, where she leads fundraising and awareness efforts that support access to clean water around the world.Michelle shares how she found her path in the water industry, what motivates her advocacy work, and how volunteering through OWWA has influenced her professional and personal growth. The conversation also explores the impact of the Water for People Committee, the value of getting involved, and what makes Ontario’s water community so unique.👉 Curious about the upcoming Water For People Ski Day? Click here to check when more information will be released: https://owwa.ca/events/Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends technical expertise, community leadership, and a passion for making a difference. 💧

In this episode of What You Need to H2Know, we’re joined by Dillon Occleston, Chair of the OWWA Manufacturers and Associates Council (MAC) and Regional Market Lead at Greatario, where he supports municipal water infrastructure through custom tank and cover solutions. With over a decade of experience in the Canadian water sector, Dillon has developed a deep passion for building strong industry relationships and championing collaboration between service providers, utilities, and municipalities.We’ll dive into his career journey—from how he got into the water industry to the role that OWWA has played in his professional growth. Dillon shares insights on how he got involved with the MAC Committee, what it's like to serve as Chair, and why volunteering has been such a rewarding experience. Plus, he reveals his favourite OWWA event, the projects he’s most proud of, and the exciting initiatives coming up through MAC and Greatario.You'll also hear fun personal stories, unconventional advice, and a few rapid-fire questions to wrap things up with energy and personality. Whether you're new to the industry or a long-time OWWA member, this conversation is packed with inspiration, leadership insights, and a reminder of the power of community in Ontario’s water sector.📧 To connect with Dillon, reach out at: [email protected]🔗 For more information on the NextWave program, visit: https://owwa.ca/event/ontarios-water-conference-trade-show-2026/

We’re back from summer break with a brand-new episode of What You Need to H2Know!In this episode, host Michele Grenier chats with Carlos Alonzo Moya, an Engineer with the City of Toronto’s Strategic Initiatives Planning team and current Chair of the OWWA Young Professionals Committee. From Mexico City to Toronto, Carlos takes us through his journey of studying, working, and growing in Ontario’s water sector. He opens up about the challenges of adapting to a new country, how volunteering with OWWA shaped his career, and why curiosity, cultural diversity, and collaboration are key to building Ontario’s water future.Carlos’ story is a reminder of the power of community and involvement in shaping the next wave of water leaders.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, in the field, or grabbing your morning coffee—press play and get inspired by a leader who’s truly made waves in Ontario’s water world.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to hear more voices making an impact across the sector!

Welcome to a new episode of What You Need to H2Know, where we dive into the stories and experiences shaping Ontario’s water industry.In this episode, we sit down with Scott Tam, Past President of OWWA and Director of Infrastructure and Growth for the City of Timmins. From his roots in municipal operations to his time leading the association, Scott shares what it means to serve the water sector from Northern Ontario—and how mentorship, community, and a steady vision have shaped his career.We also chat about his path through OWWA leadership, what’s next for the industry, and how regional perspectives play a vital role in provincial progress.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, in the field, or grabbing your morning coffee—press play and get inspired by a leader who’s truly made waves in Ontario’s water world.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to hear more voices making an impact across the sector!

Welcome to a new episode of What You Need to H2Know, where we dive into the stories and experiences shaping Ontario’s water industry.In this episode, we chat with Courtney Offet, a SCADA Technologist from the Town of Orangeville and a proud member of the OWWA Automation Committee. Courtney walks us through her journey from the classroom to the control room—sharing how she discovered her passion for automation, what prepared her for a career in SCADA technology, and why she chose to make a difference in water and wastewater management.We also round out the episode with a few fun questions so you can get to know Courtney beyond the console!🎙️ Whether you're commuting, in the field, or at your desk—hit play and enjoy this insightful conversation!📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from across the water industry.

In this special series, we’re introducing you to the candidates running for election to the OWWA Board of Directors. Each episode shines a 15-minute spotlight on a different candidate, exploring their journey into the water sector, their vision for the future, and the impact they hope to make within the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA).In today’s episode, we’re featuring Kathleen Farrow, a passionate leader in the industry. Hear about what inspired her to pursue a career in water, her aspirations for the sector, and her goals if elected to the OWWA Board.📌 Topics covered in this episode:✅ Kathleen’s journey in the water industry✅ Her vision for OWWA and Ontario’s water community✅ What she hopes to achieve if elected to the board📢 Stay tuned for more candidate spotlights and get to know the future leaders of Ontario’s water industry!🔗 Learn more about OWWA: https://owwa.ca/📅 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!

In this special series, we’re introducing you to the candidates running for election to the OWWA Board of Directors. Each episode shines a 15-minute spotlight on a different candidate, exploring their journey into the water sector, their vision for the future, and the impact they hope to make within the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA).In today’s episode, we’re featuring Gillian Harris, a passionate leader in the industry. Hear about what inspired her to pursue a career in water, her aspirations for the sector, and her goals if elected to the OWWA Board.📌 Topics covered in this episode:✅ Gillian’s journey in the water industry✅ Her vision for OWWA and Ontario’s water community✅ What she hopes to achieve if elected to the board📢 Stay tuned for more candidate spotlights and get to know the future leaders of Ontario’s water industry!🔗 Learn more about OWWA: https://owwa.ca/📅 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!

🌊 Welcome to Episode 3 of the What You Need to H2Know Podcast!In this episode, host Michele Grenier, Executive Director of the Ontario Water Works Association, sits down with Ujwal Zore, a rising star in Ontario’s water community.Ujwal, a Water/Wastewater Process Engineer-in-Training at AECOM and a dedicated member of OWWA’s Diversity and Member Engagement Committee (DMEC), shares his journey from academia in India and Canada to the exciting world of water and wastewater engineering.🎙️ Highlights include:Ujwal’s academic journey and mentorship at the University of Waterloo.The challenges and opportunities of transitioning from academia to industry.Key takeaways from attending his first OWWA Conference and Tradeshow.The importance of diversity, networking, and professional engagement in the water sector.Advice for young professionals looking to carve out impactful careers.Whether you’re a seasoned water professional, a student exploring this essential field, or simply curious about Ontario’s water community, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.💧 Let’s dive in together and celebrate the people, places, and projects shaping the future of water in Ontario!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders and innovators in the water industry.

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode by the ways of first-time guest host Kathleen Farrow, she sits down with Marcus Firman who is an influential leader in the water industry to discuss his journey, experiences, and vision for the future of water, from the roots of his career to his deep involvement in the OWWA as a committee member and mentor. Whether you’re an industry professional, student, or curious listener, this episode delivers invaluable insights about the role of water in our society, the power of collaboration, and the legacy of leadership in shaping sustainable water management. 📢 Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into the future of water resources and conservation!

In this episode, Michele sits down with Ed Bertolo who is the current President of Evans Supply Limited and OWWA Past President. Starting with his background, Ed shares what initially drew him into the water industry and how he began his impactful journey with the OWWA. From pivotal career moments to meaningful projects, he shares the milestones that have shaped his path and the achievements he's most proud of.As a member of the OWWA Board of Directors, Ed provides an inside look into the rewarding and sometimes surprising aspects of board service, along with stories that highlight the camaraderie and purpose-driven culture within OWWA. His personal reflection on what motivates him to stay involved and his advice for new members offer valuable inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference.Tune in for an engaging discussion that celebrates passion and purpose in the water industry!