About the Conference

This dynamic virtual conference is designed to empower practitioners and reviewers in the field of erosion and sediment control. We are proud to be Canada’s sole nationwide erosion and sediment control organization, and our event promises to be an immersive and enlightening experience.

Program

Speakers

Scott Walker 

Enhancing the Soil and Plant Rhizosphere

Scott Walker has been in the Agricultural industry for over 45 years. He started out in Southern Ontario with a team of horses on an organic farm in 1979, he then went to OAC Guelph and after graduation started managing a conventional apple orchard integrating IPM and bio-stimulants. In 1995 he joined UAP, helped develop a nutrient line and this eventually led him to Manitoba. In 2010 Scott started his own independent R&D company, DSW Enterprises and Consulting. The primary role of his company is to research and coordinate R&D of biologicals and bio-stimulants across broad acres, fruit and vegetables and the turf industry. Scott’s passion for soil and plant health is evident, and his quest for research-based information has earned him the nickname Scotty ‘Data’ Walker.

He will share his vast experience of integrating soil sampling, nutrient balancing and introducing function focused biologicals for enhanced soil and plant health

Gary Pritchard

 Clouding the Water- A Fish’s Guide to Surviving Turbidity

Gary Pritchard (Giniw, Golden Eagle) is a Conservation Ecologist and Indigenous Engagement Specialist from Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario. He has worked with nearly 300 Indigenous communities across Canada and the northern U.S., providing expertise in Indigenous community planning, land-use and traditional knowledge studies, conservation, ecological monitoring using Two-eyed Seeing, place-making, capacity building, expert testimony, and mediation between Indigenous and western sciences. Gary connects and educates people through nature, especially youth, using wildlife photography and storytelling. He is known for bridging Indigenous communities with western governance, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address environmental issues and find practical solutions.

Wyatt Croucher

Environmental Restoration Technologist, Project Lead at GEO Morphix Ltd.

Erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices continue to evolve alongside advancements in construction methods and regulatory expectations. While technologies and design approaches play a critical role in managing site conditions, the success of ESC implementation ultimately depends on effective communication among project stakeholders.

This presentation highlights the importance of clear, timely, and coordinated communication between inspectors, contract administrators, contractors, and project owners in achieving successful ESC outcomes. Drawing from practical field experience, it demonstrates how consistent reporting, proactive dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving ensure that control measures are properly installed, maintained, and adapted throughout all phases of construction.

Real-world examples illustrate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ESC site management, and that miscommunication often poses greater risks than technical limitations. Ultimately, effective ESC monitoring is not just a technical exercise, but a communication-driven process. When all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and accountable, projects are better positioned to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining construction efficiency and compliance with permit requirements. Wyatt Croucher is an Environmental Restoration Technologist with experience supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures, as well as natural channel and habitat restoration projects. Holding CAN-CISEC certification and an Ept designation, he combines technical expertise with a practical, field-based approach to support the successful implementation of environmental control measures on active construction sites.

Wyatt has a strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements related to ESC and channel restoration projects across all phases, from pre-construction through to post-construction monitoring. His attention to detail and proven ability to communicate effectively with project stakeholders contributes to the successful implementation and ongoing performance of ESC, geomorphic and restoration designs.

Joel Kennedy

Parks Canada and Erosion to Cape Breton

Flex MSE provides a durable, vegetated retaining solution that stabilizes slopes, controls erosion, and integrates naturally into the landscape—delivering long-term performance while reducing maintenance and environmental impact.

Joel Kennedy is the Business Development Specialist for Flex MSE. With over 12 years of experience in the civil geosynthetics industry, Joel Kennedy brings a wealth of technical expertise in roads, drainage, slope stabilization, and MSE/RSS systems. Having worked on global projects across diverse and challenging conditions, Joel understands the unique demands of each site and how to deliver practical, long-lasting solutions. Originally from the Greater Toronto Area, Joel now resides in central Canada, continuing to support innovative and sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide.

Jack Eaton

Biodegradable vs Non-biodegradable BMPs

With over 35 years in the green industry and 20 years specializing in erosion control and site stabilization, Mr. Eaton currently works for Carriff Engineered Fabrics, where he develops and promotes tubular fabrics for the erosion control
industry. He has been involved in the manufacture, installation, and monitoring of compost socks and straw wattles, as well as in the development and implementation of site restoration plans involving hydroseeding, straw mulching,
and straw blanket installation. Mr. Eaton has also served as an on-site plan coordinator for several linear powerline projects. Additionally, he has presented on topics related to erosion control, showcasing his expertise in the field.

Michael Roy

Emergency Creek Diversion and Restoration with Bioengineering: 15 Years and a Really Big Storm Event

Michael is a Principal Ecologist with SLR Consulting with over 35 years experience in land use and infrastructure planning, assessment and design. A Fisheries Ecologist by training and having conducted hundreds of assessments, Michael is an Impact Assessment specialist having been qualified before the OLT and in court as an expert witness. He is also well versed in the Environmental Assessment process having been Project Lead Ecologist on over 90 Class EA and IEA projects at municipal, provincial and federal levels. Michael leads screenings and assessments of Species at Risk (SAR) and ecological communities to ensure due diligence and compliance with the provincial Species Conservation Act and similar federal legislation (SARA). By extension, he has designed numerous habitat compensation, restoration, and enhancement projects for a variety of fish and wildlife species across many sectors including land development, infrastructure and oil and gas. Michael brings a pragmatic approach to issue resolution and strives to maintain trusting relationships with municipal and regulatory agency personnel.

Chris Tomson

Chris Thomson is President and General Manager of Maritime Hydroseed & Erosion Solutions, a New Brunswick–based company with over 50 years of experience in erosion and sediment control, revegetation, and stormwater management across Atlantic Canada.

A Certified Installer of Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (CIHECP), Chris brings a practical, field-driven approach to erosion control, with extensive experience on complex infrastructure projects including highways, airports, and environmentally sensitive sites.

At the CANIECA Virtual Conference, Chris will present a case study involving a highway project where a collapsed culvert required reconstruction of long, steep slopes adjacent to the St. John River. The session will focus on the use of biotic soil amendments combined with hydraulic erosion control to stabilize the slope, improve soil performance, and support vegetation establishment.

Attendees will gain practical insights and proven approaches for managing erosion on steep, high-risk sites in environmentally sensitive, regulated areas.

Andrew Fata

Risk-based approach for E&SC in Seaton, Pickering

Andrew Fata, M.Sc. Eng., P.Eng., is a Senior Associate in Water Resources at Urbantech Consulting. He leads the water resources engineering team and manages stormwater projects from watershed studies to detailed design. With nearly 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater infrastructure, and low-impact development. He has worked on subwatershed studies, environmental reports, servicing studies, and infrastructure assessments across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Before joining Urbantech, Andrew managed engineering teams focused on storm and sanitary systems, environmental assessments, and stormwater modelling. He also supported business development and team growth. Beyond technical work, he contributes to business development, innovation, marketing, standards development, and mentoring. His expertise includes land development, hydraulic analysis, open channel design, erosion control, stormwater management, and feasibility studies.

Caroline Serhal

Erosion and Sediment Controls for Northern Minesite Care and Maintenance and Remediation 

Caroline Serhal is a Professional Geoscientist in Ontario, Northwest Territories and Nunavut with over 20 years’ experience managing projects, conducting environmental site assessments and leading environmental regulatory compliance programs related to mine remediation, industrial, commercial and oil and gas sites. As a former key member on two of the largest mine remediation projects in northern Canada she has extensive experience in the challenges and successes of ESC in northern and mine management settings.  

This virtual conference is your gateway to better understanding what works with regards to erosion and sediment control, with a strong focus on practical case studies and sustainable restoration techniques from across Canada. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to protecting our environment’s most precious resources.

Together, we can combat erosion, mitigate impacts, and restore our natural landscapes – no matter where we are.