The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, today announced the recipients of the 2026 Operator of the Year Awards during the annual Water and Wastewater Workshop held in Gander.

The department holds this workshop annually to acknowledge the vital role that water and wastewater operators play in the province. Minister Tibbs was pleased to present awards to:

• Mr. Derrick Seward of the Town of Hants Harbour who received the Small Operator of the Year Award for demonstrating proficiency in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the town’s water system to ensure it is operating at the highest standard.
• Mr. Philip Genneaux of the Town Port Saunders who received the Operator of the Year Award for 23 years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership including his efforts during the town’s State of Emergency in 2024, which was critical to protecting and restoring essential water services for the community.

The criteria for the awards include working towards or achieving certification, participation in education and training opportunities, demonstrating leadership, providing support to other workers, and going that extra mile for their community. All communities were invited to submit nominations.

The workshop provides approximately 250 to 300 participants, including water system operators and owners, expert guest speakers, and municipal leaders, with technical information on the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

The workshop incorporates a trade show that is designed to showcase equipment and technologies used in water and wastewater distribution and treatment processes and provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on training and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

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“I am pleased to recognize the invaluable contributions of regional and municipal water and wastewater operators in our province. I want to extend my congratulations to Mr. Derrick Seward and Mr. Philip Genneaux for receiving the 2026 Operator of the Year Awards. This government looks forward to working with water and wastewater operators to build more reliable infrastructure and to improve municipal water supply. Together, we will build stronger communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for all of us.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change

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