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: DOccleston@Greatario.com🔗 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.

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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.

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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!