We’re pleased to share the preliminary schedule for the 2026 Natural Channel Systems Conference. This year’s agenda brings together practitioners, researchers, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore the science, design, and stewardship of natural channel systems in a changing world.
Over multiple days of sessions, workshops, and field experiences, attendees will engage with the latest advances in river restoration, watershed management, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. The program is designed to encourage knowledge exchange, practical learning, and meaningful collaboration across disciplines.
Program Highlights
- Keynote Presentations from leading voices in fluvial geomorphology, ecological restoration, and indigenous engagement
- Technical Sessions featuring case studies, emerging research, and applied methodologies
- Plenary Panel Discussions on the past, present and future of river restoration practice
- Training and Workshops focused on understanding watercourses, designing natural channel and channel corridors, and building indigenous cultural competency
- Field Tour showcasing an innovative natural channel project in the Lower Don River
- Poster Sessions & Networking Events connecting professionals, students, and partners
Sessions for 2026
- Session A – Adaptive Management and Monitoring for Resilient River Corridors
- Session B – Emerging Technologies & Modelling Solutions
- Session C – Innovations in Construction & Implementation
- Session D – Innovations in Interpreting River Complexity and Meaning
- Session E – International Perspectives
- Session F – Managing Competing Interests – Erosion Hazards & Ecological Diversity
- Session G – Management of Natural Channel Assets and Urban Infrastructure
- Session H – Nature Based Infrastructure
- Session I – Partnerships and Multidisciplinary Approaches
- Session J – River Processes in Changing and Unique Environments
- Session K – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Lessons Learned
Preliminary Conference Schedule
Please note the Conference Schedule is subject to change
Sunday, June 7 – Training Day |
|
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Workshop 1 – Indigenous Cultural Competency Training Session (details TBA) |
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
New River Professionals Event: The “Channel Changer” Competition (details TBA) |
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
Ice Breaker (details TBA) |
Monday, June 8 – Conference Day 1 |
|
7:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
Buffet Breakfast |
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
Registration, Coffee and Tea |
8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
Introductory Remarks – Keynote Speaker with Bob Goulais |
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Keynote Speaker Dr. Peter Ashmore |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Coffee, Tea Break with Exhibitors |
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Poster Session (Speed round) – with cash bar and appetizers |
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Networking Event with Exhibitors – with cash bar and appetizers |
Tuesday, June 9 – Conference Day 2 |
|
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Buffet Breakfast |
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Registration, Coffee and Tea |
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Introduction and Keynote Speaker Dr. Karen E. Smokorowski |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Coffee, Tea Break with Exhibitors |
10:30 a.m. – noon |
Concurrent Sessions |
noon – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Plenary Panel |
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
Banquet and Service Recognition Awards Ceremony (ticket required – details TBA) |
Wednesday, June 10 – Conference Day 3 |
|
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Buffet Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Registration, Coffee and Tea |
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Keynote Speaker Dr. Gary Brierley |
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Natural Channels Initiative (NCI) Forum |
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
Presentation Awards, Thank Yous & Closing Remarks |
12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop 2 – River Styles Framework |
1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop 3 – Designing with Wood & Field Trip to the Port Lands, Toronto |
1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop 4 – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |
Thursday, June 11 – Training Day |
|
9:00 a.m. – noon |
Workshop 2 – River Styles Framework |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Workshop 3 – Designing with Wood & Field Trip to the Port Lands, Toronto |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Workshop 4 – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |
Friday, June 12 – Training Day |
|
9:00 a.m. – noon |
Workshop 4 – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |