The future of the Grand River watershed will be examined from a variety of viewpoints at the 10th annual Grand River Watershed Water Forum on Friday, September 17.

The one-day forum is called “Inspiring Grand Transformations: Our Preferred Future” and will feature speeches, panel discussions and displays on the current state and the future of the watershed.

Keynote speaker for the event is noted painter and environmentalist Ken Kirkby of Bowser, B.C., who will offer his special insights into how individuals can make a difference in today’s world.

Two panel discussions will examine how we are managing and conserving the water resources of the Grand and their importance to our economy and quality of life.

Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller will take a look back at the 10 years of the water forum. Joe Farwell, the Grand River Conservation Authority’s assistant CAO for resources will present the annual GRCA Watershed Report.

The event takes place at the head office of the Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Rd., Cambridge from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration for the event is open to the public. Details on the program, speakers and registration (including an online registration process) can be found in the Water Forum section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca

The registration fee is $100, or $55 for students and seniors, plus tax. The fee includes lunch.

In addition to the presentations and panels, there will be displays and exhibits highlighting innovative water technologies and services, as well as the environmental programs of business, government agencies and environmental organizations.

Ken Kirkby was born in England and came to Canada in 1958 and soon after spent five years living among the Inuit in Northern Canada. He has created numerous works depicting the Arctic and First Nations cultures, including the world’s largest oil-on-canvas portrait “Isumataq” which introduced many of us to the inukshuk (stone cairn).