On March 28, Durham College (DC) hosted the Rain It In competition in the Global Classroom, welcoming teams from post-secondary institutions across Ontario as they pitched to a panel of industry experts their innovative solutions for mitigating the impacts of intense rainfall events. The competition is the brainchild of DC’s Water Quality Technician alumni Ellen Stitt, who hopes to empower college and university students to make a difference in their communities and positively impact the environment.

Since graduation in 2013, Ellen has had an incredible career, working as a senior operator and mechanic with the Ontario Clean Water Agency and most recently as the marketing manager for the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services. She is also an active volunteer, serving on the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s Board of Directors and numerous other committees, including the Great Waters Challenge Youth Advisory Board with Waterlution, where she co-authored a children’s book entitled Canada’s Great Water Adventure. Ellen is the recipient of the 2016 OCWAmarine Citizenship Award and was a finalist for the 2018 Water Environment Association of Ontario Outstanding Young Professional Award and the 2018 Water’s Next Young Professional Award.

Rain It In is the direct result of Ellen’s dedication and passion for water. After pitching the competition at a Water Innovation Lab, facilitated by Waterlution, her group was selected to receive the Durham College seed fund to kick-start the competition and influence the next generation of water sector workers. While 10 teams entered proposals, only five finalists were selected and given the opportunity to present their ideas on March 28.

In the end, Waterloo Urban Adapt from the University of Waterloo was selected to receive a small monetary prize to help with the development and implementation of their innovation solution – a campaign that would help homeowners understand the Stormwater Credit Program and educate them on flood prevention for resilient properties.

As a sponsor of Rain It In, DC is proud to support its alumni as they continue to innovate and create change out in the world. The Water Quality Technician program at DC educates students in keeping water safe for consumption and for its return to the environment through proven treatment methods. Interested in launching your career in the water sector? Apply today!