ReNew Canada Webinar Series

UPCOMING DISCUSSIONS

Building Canada’s Defence – April 23, 2026

As Canada moves toward the 2% NATO spending benchmark, a projected $290 billion in capital investment is set to transform the national defense landscape. This surge marks a pivotal moment for the industry. We invite you to join a panel of experts as they examine the future of Canada’s most significant emerging infrastructure sector.

REGISTER: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/building-canadas-defence

PANELLISTS

David Hudock, National Director, Defence and Federal Government Relations, PCL Construction

David spent the first 32 years of his career with the Royal Canadian Navy, working closely with the federal government. As PCL Construction’s National Director for Defence and Federal Government Relations, he supports projects across the country and is heavily involved in project teaming strategies such as partnering with design consultants and major subcontractors so PCL can help design and build the best solutions for owners and clients. 

Jeff Hamilton, Director, Senior Advisor for Defence and Security, EY

Jeff Hamilton is a Director within EY’s Markets and Business Development Group and the Senior Advisor for Defence and Security for the Canadian Firm.  Jeff is also the chairperson for EY’s Canadian Veteran’s Network, a formal Business Resource Group within EY that supports veterans in our workforce and provides a means for the EY to benefit from veteran experience. A former career military officer with the Canadian Armed Forces for over 32 years, he has served as a Naval Warfare Officer and Flag Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Jeff retired in April 2023 as a Rear-Admiral (EX-04 equivalent) holding the position of Chief of Programme (CPROG) for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Peter Crain, Principal, Colliers Project Leaders

Peter is highly seasoned Real Property Consultant who, as a previous senior executive in the Federal Government, worked at the strategic level at the Department of National Defence (DND) and spent several years as the Director General responsible for Real Property Portfolio Management at DND. He has a deep understanding of how government works with a proven track record of success in portfolio analytics, planning, development of capital plans, maintenance plans, and portfolio strategy. As both a senior executive and consultant, Peter has been on the leading edge of implementing government plans and priorities for greening, reconciliation, benefits management, and gender-based analyses. Peter has been with Colliers Project Leaders for four years and leads the Defence and Security Sector.

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PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS

Building Smarter, Resilient Wastewater Infrastructure – November 20, 2025

Discover how innovation, resilience, and technology are shaping the future of wastewater treatment plant design. Join a panel of experts and explore real-world challenges, case studies, and future trends in WWTP civil construction.

REGISTER: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/wastewater-infrastructure

PANELLISTS

Lucy Cotter, Project Manager, Iona Island WWTP

Lucy Cotter is the Metro Vancouver project manager for Iona Island WWTP Design. She has joined the organization in 2025, following 22 years’ experience in consulting engineering, focused on municipal wastewater design and construction projects.

Lucy has strong wastewater technical expertise as well as project management experience. She is passionate about wastewater and the communities Metro Vancouver serves.

Ian McKinnon, Manager, Civil Operations, PCL Construction (Edmonton)

Ian joined PCL in 1990 and has over 35 years of experience in civil infrastructure, institutional and industrial projects across Western Canada. He is experienced in design-build, construction management, unit price and stipulated price contracts. Ian is currently focused on supporting client needs in transportation, water, wastewater and solar. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and holds professional engineering and Gold Seal certifications.

Kate Polkovsky, CEO, Arrow Utilities

Kate Polkovsky is the chief executive officer of Arrow Utilities, the organization responsible for the transmission and treatment of water to more than 400,000 Albertans across 13 municipalities.

Through strategic leadership and sustainable rate predictability, she is the driving force behind the organizational transformation to expand water servicing essential to supporting Alberta’s burgeoning hydrogen economy and bringing the conversations about the circularity of water to the forefront.

Kate brings over 20 years of experience to the role, having worked on utility and engineering projects across North America and in the municipal sector focusing on the four utility branches and environmental sustainability.

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