A wetland is a type of ecosystem that has both aquatic and terrestrial properties. There are many different types of wetlands. Some wetlands are covered by water for all or part of the year, while others do not appear wet but are sporadically or seasonally saturated and have a water table close to the soil surface.
The characteristics of a wetland are determined by soil type, topography, climate, available nutrients, the types of plants and animals present, and water chemistry. The plants and animals that live in wetlands are adapted to their unique conditions, forming biological communities that are different from the surrounding area.
Wetlands are among the most productive, complex and diverse habitats on Earth. They provide valuable ecosystem services, including recharging groundwater, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, providing nursery areas for many species, and reducing the effects of drought.
Wetlands have positive effects on water quality. They can:
Because of these positive effects, constructed wetlands (wetlands built to mimic natural wetland processes) are often used for stormwater or other types of wastewater treatment. The type of treatment required will influence the type of wetland that is constructed. See our fact page on Stormwater for more information.
Wetlands improve water quality and provide valuable ecosystem services. We must therefore protect and improve the function of existing wetlands in Alberta. We must also construct additional wetlands for stormwater and other wastewater treatment.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.
