Current Conversations
A summer speaker series from Ottawa Riverkeeper.
Join us for Current Conversations, a summer speaker series hosted by Ottawa Riverkeeper at the NCC River House. Over four Wednesday evenings, hear from scientists, authors, artists, and community builders about the many ways we connect with the Ottawa River.
Each event features thought-provoking expert speakers, light refreshments, and an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect. Join us in exploring our multi-faceted relationship with the river, from science and policy to art, culture and conservation.
Come be part of the conversation.
These events raise funds for Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work and require advance registration.
Ticket fees:
- Regular tickets: $20
- Seniors (65 and older), youth (15-30), and those on low income: $15
- Children under 15: free.
All events are held at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Lab, on the lower floor of the NCC River House. The address is 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Suite 101.
Please note that this space is neither air-conditioned nor heated, so please check the forecast and dress for the weather. On hot days, consider cooling down with a swim at the NCC River House docks before the event!
Parking at the NCC River House can be very limited in the summer months. We encourage you to arrive by active transportation or get dropped off.
The authors will be signing books after the talk. If you don’t have copies yet, local independant bookstore Octopus Books will be on hand with the authors’ books and more for sale.
Please note this event is geared to an adult audience, but children are welcome.
Up next:
Current Conversations 2026
Wednesday evenings, 6-8 PM
June 10th
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Future Water Leaders through Storybooks
What could be more amazing than experiencing an ecosystem through a story? Books help young people build meaningful connections with the natural world, inspiring future decision-makers to become environmental stewards.
Two passionate children’s authors will read from their award-winning water-themed books and share how they combine science, stories and hope to empower youth to make a positive impact. If you care about the planet and have kids in your life, this talk is for you!
After the talk, browse a selection of river- and environment-themed kids’ books on sale from local independent bookstore Octopus Books.
Speakers:
- Rochelle Strauss, environmental educator and children’s author
- Jen Lynn Bailey, scientist, educator and children’s author
Rochelle Strauss
Rochelle Strauss is on a mission to change the world – one book at a time! As an environmental educator and best-selling children’s author, Rochelle is dedicated to building environmental literacy and inspiring people to become active stewards of our planet. Rochelle’s children’s books have won several awards, been translated globally, and incorporated into curriculum in the US. Her award-winning titles include: The Global Ocean; One Well: The Story of Water on Earth (over 650,000 million copies sold!); and her latest book All the Water on Earth – a lyrical picture book loosely based on One Well.
Jen Lynn Bailey
Jen Lynn Bailey is a children’s author and Ontario-certified elementary teacher. Her debut picture book, This is the Boat that Ben Built (illus. Maggie Zeng, Pajama Press), won the 2023 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Book Award (picture book category).
Jen loves playing with the sounds and rhythms of words while exploring themes of community and interconnection. She is particularly interested in how living things depend on one another. She aims to foster empathy and a sense of responsibility for living in balance with the natural world.
Learn more at www.jenlynnbailey.com.
Social media handles: @jlbaileybooks on Instagram and Facebook; @jlbaileybooks.bsky.social on Bluesky.
June 24th
The swimmable city: Restoring our relationship with urban waterways
In the face of increasing urbanisation, climate change and biodiversity loss, the international urban swimming movement is helping city dwellers rediscover and reclaim their waterways. Swimming can be a catalyst to protect rivers and harbours, while promoting accessibility, social connection and wellbeing.
This panel of local experts will share examples from around the world – and our own backyard – of how swimming in urban waterways can foster healthier, more climate resilient and equitable communities. We’ll also look forward to exciting developments and opportunities for activating Ottawa and Gatineau’s waters.
Speakers:
- Matthew Sykes, Swimmable Cities
- Dr. Banu Ormeci, Professor and Jarislowsky Chair in Water and Health, Carleton University
Starting with a project to transform Melbourne’s Yarra River (Birrarung), Matthew Sykes has been on a journey connecting cities around the world through one common goal: safe, healthy and swimmable waterways. Harnessing the momentum of the Paris Olympics and the River Seine cleanup, he led the growth of a coalition of 236 organizations across 115 cities in 37 countries, enabling multi-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange and peer learning. Now, Mayors and City leaders are embracing ‘swimmability’ as a mainstream indicator and catalyst for creating more liveable, resilient, equitable and prosperous cities.
Dr. Banu Ormeci headshot, bio, social media – coming soon
Register here
Aug 19th
Beneath the Surface: Diving into Underwater Photography
Speakers TBC
Sept 2nd
Title: Words on the Water / Here are some options for the one in French : Murmures sur l’eau, Échos sur l’eau, Les mots en miroir.
Hear from 10 incredible local poets, including Ottawa’s own poet laureates, as they share their art about the Ottawa River and what it means to them, in both French and English.
David O’Meara and Véronique Sylvain (City of Ottawa poets laureate) and friends.
Poets:
- David O’Meara – Poet Laureate
- Véronique Sylvain – Poet Laureate
English poets are:
French Poets are:
Register here
