Author: Shannon Smithwick

What is a 1-100 Year Flood?

Flood In flood hazard mapping, some areas are indicated as being at risk for a 1-100 year flood. Flood mapping is used to illustrate risk in certain areas to allow […]

Red Deer River Historical Report

Executive Summary  The Red Deer River basin has seen numerous flooding events over the last 100 years, with the largest flood on record occurring in 1915.  Recent flooding in 2005 […]

What is Flooding?

Flood An extremely simple definition of flooding is “too much water in a new place” but a more technical description is when water has overflown into an area that is […]

Athabasca River Historical Report

Executive Summary In early June, 2013, north eastern Alberta experienced a significant flood event that washed out roads, disrupted business in the oil sands region, and caused millions of dollars […]

Flood Preparedness

Stay Safe This is a condensed overview of emergency preparedness before, during and after a flood. The Canada WaterPortal will take steps to ensure that Canadians and the water community […]

Boil Water Advisories

The municipal systems that serve 80% of Alberta’s population with water are regulated by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD). AESRD receives and collects reports and data summarizing the […]

Boil Water Advisories and Drinking Water

Flood Boil Water Advisory During the 2013 Flood, boil water advisories were issued for: Canmore, Black Diamond, Siksika First Nation, Exshaw, Lake Louise, High River, Harvie Heights, MD of Big […]

Flood Mitigation: Dry Dams

Flood External Resources Presentations and Minutes from the BRBC Quarterly Forum on Flood Mitigation South Saskatchewan River Basin Snow Data What is a dry dam? Dry dams are catchment areas […]

Flood Mitigation: Relocation

Flood External Resources Presentations and Minutes from the BRBC Quarterly Forum on Flood Mitigation South Saskatchewan River Basin Snow Data What is relocation?  In the event of a flood, citizens […]

We provide Canadian educational resources on water practices to promote conservation and sustainability. Our team crafts current and relevant content, while encouraging feedback and engagement.

The Canada WaterPortal is a registered charity, #807121876RR0001

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples and communities on whose land our work takes place.

Keep In Touch
1500, 850 2nd St SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0R8
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Donate
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Ross Douglas

Ross Douglas

Board Member

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.

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Brian Mergelas

Brian Mergelas, PhD, ICD.D

Board Member

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.