Ottawa, Ontario, Oct. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WaterPower Canada and partners across the country are celebrating the first Canadian Hydropower Day, an industry initiative recognizing the country's long-standing leadership in renewable electricity and the continued development of hydropower as a cornerstone of Canada's clean energy future.
This date commemorates the opening of the Grand Chaudière Dam on October 16, 1868, a defining moment in Canada's industrial history and the beginning of large-scale hydroelectric power generation. More than 150 years later, hydropower continues to produce more than 60 percent of Canada's electricity, providing reliable and affordable energy that powers homes and industry while supporting good jobs and regional growth.
“Waterpower has long been part of Canada’s foundation,” said Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada. “It provides reliable and affordable electricity, supports good jobs and helps ensure energy security in every region. Today, we honor that legacy and how the sector continues to innovate through partnerships and technology.”
The city of Ottawa has officially proclaimed October 16 is Canada Hydropower Day, recognizing the capital's rich hydroelectric heritage on the Ottawa River. Modernization projects, pumped storage systems and digital technologies are keeping hydropower at the center of Canada's electricity grid. Increasingly, projects are being developed and implemented jointly with Indigenous communities, promoting reconciliation, creating local jobs and providing shared benefits for future generations.
As Canada works to strengthen its economy and energy security, hydropower continues to provide a reliable and cost-effective backbone to the energy system. Its reliability and flexibility not only ensure electricity availability, but also support the development of new renewable energy industries and the jobs they create.
WaterPower Canada has released reinforcement kit with visuals, sample messages and resources for participants, partners and the public to help them get involved in celebrating the day online. Canada Hydropower Day will be held annually October 16 to celebrate Canada's largest source of renewable electricity and highlight hydropower's ongoing contributions to clean energy, regional development and the fight against climate change.
Quotes:
“Ontario's electricity system and early economic prosperity were built on hydropower. With 224 power plants providing a quarter of the province's electricity, including more than 40 that have been in operation for more than a century, hydropower provides affordable, reliable and safe power to communities while supporting local economies and long-term growth. As we accelerate the electrification of the economy in Overall, hydropower will continue to be a key factor supporting economic reconciliation with indigenous peoples. communities and unlocking 3,000 to 4,000 MW of untapped potential to meet future energy needs.” – Paul Norris, President, Ontario Hydropower Association
“On this first Canada Hydropower Day, we celebrate Canada's leadership in harnessing the power of water to produce clean, reliable and safe energy. Hydropower is more than just a source of electricity – it is the foundation of resilient and sustainable communities. Today we honor the projects, partnerships, innovations and commitments that have shaped Canada's hydropower sector, and we recommit to advancing sustainable hydropower so that future generations can reap its benefits. advantages.” – Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association.
About WaterPower Canada
WaterPower Canada is the national voice of Canada's hydropower industry. As a non-profit trade association, the WPC represents producers, manufacturers and developers who collectively account for more than 95 percent of Canada's hydropower capacity. The association advocates for the responsible development and use of hydropower to meet Canada's current and future energy needs.
