Coming Together: Highlights from the 2026 Water Federation AGM

Water Federation members and industry partners gathered in Calgary, Alberta on April 15, 2026 for our Annual General Meeting. Despite challenging spring weather for those travelling from across the province, the turnout was strong with approximately 100 attendees making the trip, including co-op directors, member representatives and industry stakeholders.

"The AGM is where we share successes, work through common problems and find solutions together that none of us could find on our own," said Executive Director Chris Hancock. "Rural water co-ops across Alberta are doing important work, and events like this remind us that we are stronger when we work together. Seeing that play out in the room this year was really encouraging."

The day covered the full scope of Federation business, including reports from our Auditor and Executive Director, as well as this year’s Board election. We also extend our thanks to Kelly Wood, who chose not to stand for re‑election after many years of dedicated service as a Water Federation Director.

AGM Outcomes

• Gene Wehlage, Lloyd Healy, and Brian Engbers were elected to serve three‑year terms on the Board. See our full Board here.

• Levy will remain at $9 per active connection.

• 2025 financial statements were reviewed and approved.

This year's AGM also introduced new additions to the program. The morning included the launch of our Inaugural Recognition Program, designed to shine a light on the extraordinary people who go above and beyond to ensure communities have access to safe, reliable and affordable water, and to inspire a new generation to step up and serve.

"This program is a step toward building a culture where the contributions of volunteers and dedicated staff are not just expected, but deeply valued and recognized," said Chair Gary Houston. "There are people across this province doing remarkable work to keep rural water flowing. We want to celebrate that and make sure it carries forward."

Over the lunch hour, members had the chance to connect with industry partners at the Federation's tradeshow. The conversations and connections made between members and vendors are exactly the kind of practical exchange the Federation works to create in order to better support member co-ops.

"It was a great opportunity to connect our co-ops with vendors and stakeholders who could help them make their day-to-day issues a bit easier," said Project Manager Daniel Perri. "The engagement from everyone was really encouraging to see."

The afternoon delivered a range of technical updates for operators and co-op managers, including a regulatory update from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, a live GIS project and map demonstration, presentations on training initiatives and best practices, and a presentation on water quality management in dugouts and reservoirs from our sponsor ACCWS.

"The GIS discussions were especially encouraging," said Business Systems Analyst Owen Bennett. "Once fully implemented, that system is going to make a real difference for a lot of our co-ops."

We came away with a strong sense of shared purpose and are already taking note of your suggestions for future AGMs. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Calgary. It is your participation and dedication that keeps the Water Federation a vital resource for water co-ops across Alberta.