We’re pleased to share the 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 Download
We invite you to browse the final printed program and explore the many sessions and activities planned for the conference.
Please note that a few updates to the concurrent session schedule have been made since the program was printed. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please refer to the online Concurrent Sessions Details page.
For added convenience, any schedule changes will also be posted at the registration desk.
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
- 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 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
Conference Schedule
Please note the Conference Schedule is subject to change
Sunday, June 7 – Training Day |
|
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
New River Professionals Event: The “Channel Changer” Competition |
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
Ice Breaker (taking place on the 1st floor of The Hub) |
Monday, June 8 – Conference Day 1 |
|
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Buffet Breakfast |
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Registration, Coffee and Tea |
8:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. |
Introductory Remarks and Keynote Speaker Bob Goulais |
9:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session I – Partnerships and Multidisciplinary Approaches [Room 124] |
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
11:30 a.m. – 1:10 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session C – Innovations in Construction & Implementation [Room 124] Session K – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Lessons Learned (Part 1) [Room M16] |
1:10 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
Lunch |
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. |
Keynote Speaker Dr. Peter Ashmore |
3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session F – Managing Competing Interests – Erosion Hazards & Ecological Diversity [Room 124] Session K – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Lessons Learned (Part 2) [Room M16] |
5:30 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. |
Keynote Speaker Dr. Karen E. Smokorowski |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
10:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session G – Management of Natural Channel Assets and Urban Infrastructure [Room 124] Session B – Emerging Technologies & Modelling Solutions (Part 1) [Room M16] |
12:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors |
3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session H – Nature Based Infrastructure [Room 124] Session B – Emerging Technologies & Modelling Solutions (Part 2) [Room M16] |
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
Banquet and Service Recognition Awards Ceremony (ticket required) |
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. – 11:50 a.m. |
Concurrent Sessions Session D – Innovations in Interpreting River Complexity and Meaning [Room 124] Session A – Adaptive Management and Monitoring for Resilient River Corridors [Room M16] |
11:50 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. |
Networking Lunch Break with Exhibitors |
12:35 p.m. – 1:35 p.m. |
|
1:35 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. |
Closing Remarks |
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop – River Styles Framework |
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop – Designing with Wood & Field Trip to the Port Lands, Toronto |
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Workshop – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |
Thursday, June 11 – Training Day |
|
9:00 a.m. – noon |
Workshop – River Styles Framework |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Workshop – Designing with Wood & Field Trip to the Port Lands, Toronto |
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Workshop – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |
Friday, June 12 – Training Day |
|
9:00 a.m. – noon |
Workshop – 3-D Process Based Natural Corridor Design |