Investing in Water

Canada is estimated to have almost 20 per cent of the earth’s drinkable water. But Canadians consume 350 litres of water a day per capita, second only to the neighbours to the south, as the biggest consumers of water in the world.  The recent United Nations 'Water in a Changing World' report states that population growth, climate change and demand for greater food and energy supplies are squeezing global water supplies.

Will climate change, superbugs and our ‘first world’ water habits result in a global war over water?  How can investors capitalize on a growing water resources industry?

This full-day workshop will have experts address issues such as freshwater scarcity and security, political and human rights implications, corporate risks and investment opportunities, legal and regulatory frameworks, technology innovations, the commoditization of water and sustainable solutions for the crumbling water infrastructure in local (and global) communities.

Join us as we examine water—the most precious of resources—and explore the financial, legal and political issues involved.

Workshop Program (PDF)

Opening Remarks:  Rodney White
Program Advisor, Professional Development Programs, Centre for Environment

Moderator:  Todd Latham
Publisher, Canadian Water Treatment magazine

Speakers:

Ian McPherson
President, Criterion Investments (Criterion Water Infrastructure Fund)
TOPIC: “Why Portfolios Are Thirsty for Water”

John Coburn
CEO, EnviroTower
TOPIC: “Water: From Scarcity to Opportunity”

Tony Maas
National Advisor on Freshwater Policy and Planning, WWF‐Canada
TOPIC: "Water Footprint: Exposing Invisible Risk”

Sandra Odendahl
CFA, Director of Corporate Environmental Affairs, RBC Financial Group
TOPIC: "Water Related Risks and Opportunities for Lenders"

William (Bill) R. Tharp
Chief Executive Officer, The Climate Change Infrastructure Corporation
TOPIC: "Project Finance and Water Infrastructure" 

Zoltan Tompa
Director, Applications for Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
TOPIC: “Water Innovation – An Untapped Commercial Opportunity”

Bruce Pardy
Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Queen's University
TOPIC: "Water Policy Myths and Misconceptions"

Trevor Freeman
Engineers Without Borders
TOPIC: "Water and Sanitation: An African Perspective"

Location: The Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks Street, Toronto,
Date: Tuesday May 26, 2009 , 9:00 - 4:00 pm

Light Breakfast and Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 am
Sit-down Lunch: 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Fee: $149.00 
Workshop fee includes light breakfast and sit-down lunch
Student rate available with valid ID: $49.00

Please click here to REGISTER

To register offline, please download this registration form (PDF).

For more information, please contact Donna Workman, d.workman@utoronto.ca

In collaboration with,                        

With thanks for support: