Our Story
In 2004, WaterSMART founder and CEO Kim Sturgess envisioned a new model for water management in Alberta. Inspired by the Government of Alberta’s Water for Life strategy, she consulted with her mentors and leaders in water and natural capital, Peter Lougheed, Preston Manning and Fred Stewart. These advisors were instrumental in building the vision for WaterSMART that continues to this day.
One of the Water for Life goals forms the foundation upon which WaterSMART is built: water for a sustainable economy. From the very beginning, Kim’s long-time colleague and visionary Mike Urednicek encouraged her to focus on the importance of water as a value-added resource. What this means is that although water is not always a core product of the business or industry we are working in, proper water management always adds value to our clients’ bottom lines. We know that when decisions balance the needs of the watershed with economic, social, and environmental impacts, greater profits and better outcomes are the result. Each of the projects we take on keeps this objective at the forefront, and all our clients benefit from this approach.
Tragically, in August of 2005 Mike had an accident and passed away from his injuries. Since then, Kim has focused on fulfilling his vision of water as a value-added resource.
With this vision for strategic, best water management practices guiding our way, WaterSMART has completed many high-profile and successful projects, and we have earned our reputation as the leading consultancy for water management solutions in Western Canada. We are known for our team and network of industry experts, water engineers, environmental scientists, facilitators, communicators, and policy advisors. We are also known for delivering exceptional client service and results.
Our Mission
We improve water management through better practices, solutions, and technologies for the economic, environmental, and social benefit of current and future generations.
Our Mission is achieved through:1
Project Development & Execution
Identifying opportunities and delivering innovative solutions for improved water management.
2
Collaboration & Communication
• Collaborating with diverse individuals and organizations to achieve common goals that accommodate multiple interests.
3
Water Strategy & Implementation
Engaging multidisciplinary experts in the creation of water strategies and their practical implementation.
Vision & Values
Vision
WaterSMART is acknowledged as a western North American leader in water management solutions that support healthy watersheds, strong communities, and water for a sustainable economy.
Values
WATER
We are passionate about water as a value-added resource and have chosen this work because we know water is a limited resource that none of us can live without.
COLLABORATION
We believe in collaboration and foster positive working relationships within our company and with the diverse individuals and organizations with whom we work.
DIVERSE SKILLS
We value people with diverse skill sets and provide maximum value for our clients by bringing together individuals talented in strategy development, watershed management, engineering, modelling, project delivery, and communications.
CHAMPION FOR CHANGE
We champion positive change and strive to be a catalyst for improved water management solutions, practices and technologies for the benefit of all.
WaterPortal / WaterNEXT
Since our inception, WaterSMART has committed to improving water management through better technologies and practices. We are proud to be a leader in this work, and we are also proud to have supported the development and launch of two organizations with complementary missions to this goal.
The Alberta WaterPortal
The Alberta WaterPortal Society is a charitable organization that educates and increases Albertans’ understanding of water and its importance by conducting research, sharing findings, and providing news and social media services.
VISIT WEBSITEWaterNEXT
Canada WaterNEXT Innovations Inc. (WaterNEXT) provides help and support to water entrepreneurs as they develop the next generation of Canadian water technologies and solutions.
VISIT WEBSITE