Cornwall Ontario — For over twenty years each spring, the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences has brought together scientists to discuss fresh water issues at their annual International River Conference in Cornwall. This year the River Institute and the City of Cornwall are celebrating the River Institute’s 20^th Anniversary by partnering together with other stakeholders to dive into a discussion on water and fresh water ecosystems.

May 7, the first dayof the conference, will focus on science and feature a series of fresh water related topics presented by an international delegation of scientists. Subject matter experts on fresh water chemistry and eco -systems as well as fish biologists from Canada, the United States and Akwesasne will present information on a wide range of current environmental research that is taking place on and along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes systems.

May 8^th is a community day and will focus on the topical theme “Managing your Water, Wastewater and Storm Water, Risks in Light of Climate Change”. In light of unusual weather patterns and storm events that we have been experiencing in the last few years, municipalities and homeowners need to learn how to prepare for and respond to the new challenges being presented by these changes. Flooding across Ontario in recent weeks demonstrates the timeliness of the topic.

Special guests will include John St. Marseille, General Manager of Infrastructure and Municipal Works for theCity of Cornwall who will speak on local challenges and opportunities for flood mitigation and community outreach. The lunch time keynote speaker will be Dereth Glance, Commissioner for the International Joint Commission who will speak on “Water Without Borders – the IJC and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River”. Other speakers will address the governance behind minimizing risk, adapting municipal engineering, and the effects of catastrophic storm events on insurance.

A River Rendezvous and Café will also be set up in Aultsville Hall’s lobby with a variety of displays and demonstrations from both sides of the St. Lawrence River that highlight local environmental and recreational groups connected to the great outdoors. Check out www.riverinstitute.ca for a full schedule or call 613-936-6620 for more information.