The next AquaHacking challenge will take place in British Columbia

Aqua Forum announced this week that the Freshwater Conservation Challenge will be held in Kelowna, British Columbia. In collaboration with the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and Aqua Forum, this sixth edition of the AquaHacking Challenge represents an opportunity to share complementary expertise such as business, science, engineering and technology in order to tackle real issues and make a concrete difference.

A Succession Initiative for the Next Generation

AquaHacking was born from a challenge given to the fourth generation of descendants of the de Gaspé Beaubien family in order to perpetuate the family's philanthropic lineage. The younger generation responded with one voice, to which eminent specialists then echoed. Everyone agrees that water conservation is a huge issue in North America. Today, the proof is made beyond any doubt that young Quebec entrepreneurs can develop inventive and practical solutions to help preserve the immense natural wealth of freshwater in Canada.

A challenge For Complex Issues

Aqua Forum trusts the Okanagan Basin Water Board to successfully complete the AquaHacking challenge in the Okanagan Valley region of Kelowna. The issues submitted to young entrepreneurs were unveiled on October 29th, 2019 and are as follows:

1. Contaminants in Stormwater: Finding a way to improve water quality in Canadian lakes and rivers by reducing stormwater contamination.
2. Residential / Commercial Use of Outdoor Water: Addressing a solution to reduce the amount of water used outside BC homes and businesses.
3. Community Flood Damage and the Need to Communicate Flood Hazards: Considering a solution to reduce damage to homes, businesses and infrastructures while improving flood risk communication to communities.
4. Prevent and Mitigate the Effects of Invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels: Determining a way to prevent infestation and avoid potential damage from invasive mussels.
5. Access to Clean Water in Aboriginal Communities: Advancing pathways on improving access to clean water for aboriginal communities in British Columbia.

Students and entrepreneurs from across Canada are of course invited to take part in the competition and propose innovative solutions to the issues.

A Matter of Great Pride

It is an immense source of pride for the Gaspé Beaubien family to see AquaHacking expand at the national level. The protection of the environment and the success of young Canadian entrepreneurs have been at the heart of the Family Foundation's mission for a long time.