Thank you for attending!
Viking Rentals Centre (Event Hall) (View on Map)
September 15, 2025
Driving Innovation in Western Canada: Join Us at the Western Transit Innovation Summit 2025
The Western Transit Innovation Summit 2025, hosted by the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), is an upcoming in-person event dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in transit across Western Canada.
This summit aims to bring together transit professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies shaping the future of public transportation in the region.
Attendees can anticipate engaging sessions on topics such as zero-emission transit technologies, energy-as-a-service models, fleet electrification strategies, and advancements in charging infrastructure.
TICKETS
OUR SPONSORS
TICKET PRICES
Why Should You Attend?
01.
Gain Exceptional Thought Leadership
Discover new insights and practical knowledge from industry leaders to enrich your understanding of zero-emission transit strategies.
02.
Actionable Takeaways
Leave the conference equipped with actionable strategies and resources to initiate or advance your own zero emission transit initiatives.
03.
Real-world Examples
Learn from successful case studies showcasing the environmental, financial, and public perception benefits of zero-emission transit.
Collaborate
Collaborate with peers to address common challenges and find innovative solutions.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainable transportation and be part of the conversation towards a net-zero future
Stay Updated
Stay informed about the latest industry trends and innovations in the field of zero-emission transit.
Our emphasis lies in delivering exceptional thought leadership and practical insights, ensuring that every participant leaves the conference with newfound knowledge and actionable takeaways. Our primary focus remains on crafting and delivering the highest quality content.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
AGENDA
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Your day begins here. Check in, grab a coffee and enjoy breakfast while chatting with other attendees. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with peers and speakers before the sessions kick off.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Kick off the day with a warm welcome from our hosts as we set the stage for an inspiring and impactful event. We’ll share the vision for the summit, highlight the day’s key themes and acknowledge the valued partners and sponsors who make this gathering possible.
Decarbonizing Transit in Carbon-Intense Grids
For transit agencies committed to zero emission goals, the journey is often complicated by a grid still dominated by carbon-intensive sources.
This panel offers a deep dive into the practical realities and innovative approaches being deployed to decarbonize transit in such environments.
Break
Take a moment to refresh, grab a coffee or snack and connect with fellow attendees before the next session begins.
Sponsor Keynote
Hear from one of our valued sponsors as they share insights, innovations and perspectives shaping the future of our industry. This keynote highlights their contributions, expertise and vision for driving progress in the sector.
Powering the Prairies: Lessons from the CUTRIC-FortisAlberta Constellation Project
This panel will pull back the curtain on the groundbreaking FortisAlberta Constellation Project, a collaborative study led by CUTRIC and FortisAlberta.
Moving beyond general aspirations, this session will dive into the concrete findings and invaluable data generated from this unique initiative, which assessed the feasibility of zero emissions bus (ZEB) deployment for nine diverse transit agencies across Alberta.
Alberta Hydrogen: Powering the Frontier of Heavy-Duty Mobility
This dynamic panel will showcase Alberta's drive to become a global leader in the burgeoning hydrogen economy, with a specific focus on its transformative potential for zero emission transit and a wide range of heavy-duty transportation applications within the province.
Lunch & Networking
Enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with fellow attendees, speakers and industry leaders. This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed setting.
Decarbonizing in Green Grids: The Challenges that Still Exist
While British Columbia and Manitoba boast predominantly green electricity grids, the path to fully decarbonizing transit with both Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) presents a unique set of challenges.
This panel will delve into the specific hurdles faced by these provinces as they scale up zero emission transportation and explore the optimal integration of both battery electric and hydrogen technologies.
Fireside Chat: Navigating Tariff Troubles in the Transit Supply Chain
The global trade landscape has been significantly reshaped by escalating trade tensions and the widespread imposition of tariffs.
This panel will delve into the profound impact of these trade exposure risks on the transit supply chain, with a specific focus on what this means for the price of buses.
Break
Take a moment to refresh, grab a coffee or snack and connect with fellow attendees before the next session begins.
Advancing Battery Technology and Supply Chains in Western Canada
This panel explores Western Canada's path to a secure battery supply chain by connecting foundational materials research with industrial strategy. The session will cover next-generation battery science and address the critical gap in domestic mineral processing, revealing how linking lab innovation with industrial policy is key to powering the region's energy transition.
Iron Horse to Electric Future: Forging Western Canada's Next-Generation Rail Connectivity
This powerful rail session will explore the ambitious vision for transforming inter-city and regional connectivity across Western Canada, potentially bringing a new era of high-frequency and high-speed passenger rail to the Prairies.
Focusing on conceptual projects like PrairieLink and beyond, this panel will delve into the monumental engineering, financial, and political undertakings required to forge these next-generation rail corridors.
Reception & Networking
The formal sessions are over, but the conversation continues! Join us at The George Traditional House , conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the conference venue. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner and drinks as you unwind and build on the connections made throughout the day.
SPEAKERS
Abraham Masri
Manager, Energy Transition & Sustainability – Trimac Transportation
Brian Nicholson
Director, Critical Materials - Energy Futures Lab
Chris MacIsaac
Community Identity Manager - Town of Okotoks
David Cavallin
Technical Sales Manager - New Flyer
David Conn
Stakeholder Relations Manager - ATCO Energy Systems
Dr. Saeid Saidi
Associate Professor - Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Calgary
Dr. Xiaolei Wang
Full Professor - Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta
Gareth Gregory
Execution Program Director - Energy Security Services North America
Josipa Petrunic
President & CEO- CUTRIC
Kyle Mulligan
Assistant Vice President – Operations Technology at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)
Kymm Girgulis
Sector Lead, Transportation Sector, Key Accounts - BC Hydro
Mackenzie de Carle
Sustainable Transportation Project Manager - Hatch
Martha Hall Findlay
Director of the School of Public Policy - University of Calgary
Martin Bean
CEO - Bow Valley Regional Transit Service Commission
Mayor Tanya Thorn
Mayor of Okotoks
Mike Moellenbeck
Director - Saskatoon Transit
Mohammad Kharouf
Technical Director - CUTRIC
Randy Helmer
Vice President, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC)
Rebecca Goldsack
COO - Diesel Tech Industries
Terry Howe
Director, Business Developement - HTEC
Venue & Location
The Western Transit Innovation Summit 2025 will be held at the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks, Alberta.
#4, 204 Community Way Okotoks, AB T1S 2N3
Where to stay?
CUTRIC recommends Lakeview Inns & Suites – Okotoks for attendees of the Western Transit Innovation Summit 2025.
Located just minutes from the Viking Rentals Centre, it offers comfortable rooms and warm prairie hospitality.
Book your room today for the Western Transit Innovation Summit 2025.
