Honouring Ontario’s original, renewable energy source and its role in a clean energy future
June 18, 2025 – Peterborough – The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) is proud to celebrate the annual “Waterpower Day” on Friday, June 20th in recognition of Sir Adam Beck (born June 20, 1857), a Canadian politician and visionary widely known as the father of hydroelectricity in Ontario.
First established by the OWA in 2019, Waterpower Day highlights the historical significance and future potential of waterpower in supporting Ontario’s decarbonization, electrification and economic development objectives.
“I invite all Ontarians to share in the recognition of the province’s first and foundational source of electricity,” said Paul Norris, OWA President. “Waterpower built our original economic prosperity and can play a critical role in our recovery.”
Waterpower has been powering communities for over a century. Currently, there are 224 waterpower facilities operating in the province, supplying one-quarter (1/4) of Ontario’s electricity requirements. More than three dozen of these facilities have been in continuous operation for over a century, moderating electricity prices for citizens.
According to the recent Annual Planning Outlook from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), energy demand is forecasted to grow 75% by 2050. The OWA has identified 4,000-5,000 MW of untapped waterpower potential. Affordable, reliable, and sustainable waterpower will be essential to addressing Ontario’s electricity needs.
“Ontario’s new Integrated Energy Plan – Energy for Generations – places a priority on expanding, extending and refurbishing Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet”, added Norris. “Working with municipal and Indigenous partners, our industry is ready to get to work to help meet the province’s growing demand for electricity.”
The OWA looks forward to celebrating Waterpower Day with our members, partners and communities across the province. Follow the conversation on social media using #WaterpowerDay.
About OWA
The OWA is a not-for-profit, member-based organization promoting the sustainable development of waterpower resources in Ontario. Since 2001, the OWA has been representing the common and collective interests of the waterpower industry.
For more information on Waterpower Day, visit www.owa.ca/waterpower-day/
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Janelle Fonseca
Communications and Community Outreach Manager
Ontario Waterpower Association
Email: jfonseca@owa.ca
Quotes
“More than 80% of electricity generated in northern Ontario comes from waterpower and the north is home to tremendous untapped waterpower potential. With continued investment and collaboration, these resources can support new economic growth, local employment, and long-term energy security. FONOM is a proud supporter of made-in-Ontario Waterpower.”
– Danny Whalen
President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)
“NOMA supports Waterpower Day as an opportunity to recognize the value of locally generated power and the potential it holds for future development in our region. Waterpower has helped build and sustain communities across Northwestern Ontario for over a century. As new economic growth in the north drives energy demand, waterpower offers a reliable, homegrown solution.”
– Mayor Rick Dumas
President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
“Waterpower has long been a cornerstone of economic resilience in rural Ontario, providing affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity while supporting local jobs and socioeconomic benefits. ROMA is proud to support Waterpower Day and recognize the role waterpower plays in building sustainable, self-sufficient communities across rural Ontario.”
– Mayor Christa Lowry
Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
“AMO is proud to support Waterpower Day as an opportunity to recognize the vital role waterpower plays in powering Ontario’s communities. For over a century, waterpower has supported local economies, created jobs and provided affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. As municipalities plan for long-term growth and stability, waterpower remains a trusted foundation for economic resilience and local opportunity.”
– Mayor Robin Jones
President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
“On Ontario Waterpower Day, we honour the province’s century-long legacy of clean, reliable hydroelectricity that has powered communities and supported economic growth. Ontario’s hydroelectric facilities remain a critical part of the province’s energy mix today. With electricity demand growing across the country, waterpower—both in Ontario and nationwide—will be essential to supplying the needs of Ontario’s economy with energy that is reliable, affordable, and renewable.”
– Lorena Patterson
President and CEO, WaterPower Canada