Jessica Rahn, Wastewater Technician at the University of Guelph, was a main feature on the day
On November 4, SOWC took part in the filming of a series of videos by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment focused on showcasing Ontario as an ideal location to do business for companies involved in any aspect of the water industry. With Ontario being home to world-leading water companies, facilities and researchers, this is certainly true.
Footage of SOWC labs at the University of Guelph, the SOWC Wastewater Facility located at the Guelph Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Mannheim Watershed Test Site within Alder Creek also featured an interview with SOWC Operations Manager Brenda Lucas.
“Ontario is a major water technology hub with over 900 water-industry companies that employ more than 20,000 people,” said Lucas standing under the lights of the new SOWC Wastewater Facility in Guelph. “There’s great work going on within Ontario universities by world-class researchers focused on all aspects of water-related disciplines.”
B-roll being taken at the Mannheim Watershed Test Site within Alder Creek
To increase the impact of these strengths, SOWC is making it easier for researchers to connect with private industry.
“Access to demonstration facilities for technology development is key to successfully commercialize innovations, especially within the water sector where there is no substitute for real-world testing,” said Lucas. “SOWC connects businesses to a network of leading researchers who work collaboratively on complex cross-disciplinary water problems through research, development, testing and demonstration of water technologies and services.”
Due to rapid population growth and urbanization, pressures on our water systems and water supply are intensifying. Innovative approaches are needed as old methods in water supply and management can no longer be afforded financially, socially or environmentally.
“We need to find ways to provide clean drinking water, and capture and treat the water we use with much less energy and with a smaller environmental footprint,” said Lucas “Ontario is in a great position to do this, and in finding solutions to these complex problems – new technologies are invented, companies grow, and jobs are created.”
The video will be made available in the upcoming months on the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment website.
Special thanks to all those who took part in filming including Jessica Rahn, Wastewater Technician at the University of Guelph, Margaret Kirnbauer, SOWC Wastewater Node Facility Manager, Andrew Wiebe, Alder Creek Operations Technician, and Rudolph Lab Co-Op students from the University of Waterloo.
Brenda Lucas, SOWC Operations Manager, steps into the spotlight