Canada to Host 2027 International River Symposium in Toronto

Canada to Host 2027 International River Symposium in Toronto

More than 1,500 global changemakers will gather in Toronto for the world’s leading river conference.

The International River Foundation (IRF) and Conservation Ontario will co-host the 27th International River Symposium (IRS) in Toronto, Canada, from 20–23 September 2027, bringing together more than 1,500 river leaders from around the world.

The event is expected to deliver an estimated CAD $5.5 million in economic impact to the city.

The announcement comes at a critical moment for freshwater. Around the world, rivers face growing pressure from climate change, droughts and floods, pollution, biodiversity loss and competing water demands. In Canada, the Government has this month launched public engagement to develop the country’s first National Water Security Strategy.

Against this backdrop, IRS 2027 will explore the theme ‘Rivers in a Changing World’. The event will examine how communities, governments and businesses can respond to these pressures while recognising the central role rivers play in healthy ecosystems, resilient communities and thriving economies.

What sets the IRS apart is its ability to connect sectors, disciplines and perspectives. Government, business, science, academia, Indigenous knowledge holders, NGOs, practitioners, communities and media will come together to share knowledge, showcase solutions and build partnerships that can drive action beyond the Symposium.

Hosted in the heart of the Great Lakes basin, Toronto provides a powerful setting for this conversation. It provides Canada an opportunity to showcase its freshwater expertise, Indigenous leadership and innovation to an international audience.

The Symposium will also showcase river success stories through the 2027 Thiess International River Prize. Awarded on the final night of IRS 2027, the Prize celebrates outstanding achievements in river restoration, protection and management.

Michael Wright, Chair of the International River Foundation, said:

“For more than two decades, the IRS has provided a platform to turn global river ambition into practical action. In 2027, we will build on that legacy at a time when the world needs new thinking, stronger partnerships and solutions that can be taken to scale.”

Dave Barton, Chair of Conservation Ontario, said:

“The strength of watershed management has always been collaboration, bringing people with different expertise together to solve complex problems. IRS 2027 gives us the chance to learn from partners around the world and share the leadership and innovation happening across Ontario and Canada. Together, we can find better ways to protect people, property and the environment while creating places where communities can gather and connect.

Jodie Bignall, CEO of the International River Foundation, said:

“Everywhere I go, I meet people who are doing extraordinary things for their rivers, restoring waterways, finding new solutions, sharing knowledge, challenging the way we think and inspiring others to act. IRS 2027 will mark over 25 years of the IRF bringing together river and freshwater leaders from all around the world to listen, learn and celebrate the vital role our rivers place, as living connections between people, place and purpose.”

Angela Coleman, Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager of Conservation Ontario, said:

“Ontario has a wealth of experience in watershed management and freshwater stewardship. Bringing the IRS to Toronto is an opportunity to showcase that leadership on a global stage, while connecting our communities with new ideas, partnerships and solutions from around the world. The theme ‘Rivers in a Changing World’ could not be more timely.”

Dr Stuart Orr, Director of the International River Foundation, said:

“Bringing the IRS to Toronto is an opportunity to learn from the extraordinary work happening across the Great Lakes while connecting those experiences with river solutions from around the world. We want delegates to leave IRS 2027 not just inspired, but equipped with new ideas, new partnerships and a clear sense of what they can do next.”

Registration and further information will be announced in the coming months.

Join the conversation and save the date: 20–23 September 2027, Toronto, Canada.

Additional Information

About the International River Foundation

As the world’s voice for rivers, the International River Foundation (IRF) recognises that the world we know only exists thanks to a river. As a global environmental not-for-profit, the IRF unites changemakers to accelerate and scale river solutions across the world for future generations. Through its Global River Network, International River Symposium, International and Regional River Prizes, Satellite Events, Summits and partnerships, the IRF fosters collaboration, shares best practice and celebrates success to inspire river solutions and drive lasting, positive impact.

About Conservation Ontario
Conservation Ontario represents Ontario’s Conservation Authorities on issues of common interest to positively influence policy decisions that affect the environment.

Conservation Authorities are community-based watershed management agencies that implement programs focused on watershed management to safeguard people and property from flooding and other natural hazards. Additionally, they work towards conserving natural resources to promote economic, social, and environmental benefits. Conservation Authorities operate under the legislative framework of the Conservation Authorities Act, 1946.

Resources

Submit an EOI and learn more: https://www.riverfoundation.org.au/2027-international-river-symposium/

Media Contacts

Olivia Wallace, International River Foundation
[email protected]

WhatsApp +61 478 796 050

Angela Coleman, General Manager/CAO, Conservation Ontario
[email protected]
Cell: +1 289-763-4807