Saturday, May 10, 2025
A new era of sustainable energy is dawning in Ottawa with the formation of the LeBreton Community Utility Partnership, a joint venture between Envari Holding Inc. (a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.) and Theia Partners. Together with the City of Ottawa, the partners have formalized a landmark agreement to implement an advanced Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES) at the LeBreton Flats redevelopment.
This groundbreaking energy project will harness the untapped thermal potential of wastewater to provide sustainable and efficient building heating and cooling to DREAM’s Odenak development at 665 Albert Street, the inaugural customer for LeBreton Community Utility’s SEES.
“This partnership demonstrates how we can use existing infrastructure in new and innovative ways to reduce emissions and support sustainable growth in our communities of the future. By turning wastewater into clean, efficient energy, we’re taking a practical step that shows what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability in city building. This is great for the environment and for a clean future in Ottawa,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City of Ottawa.
Odenak is a 600-unit, two-tower project adjacent to the Pimisi light rail transit (LRT) station. It features a mix of market-rate and affordable residential units as well as retail spaces. In a first for Ottawa, it will be sustainably powered by the SEES, which leverages advanced Canadian technology from SHARC Energy Systems. The SEES utilizes highly efficient heat pumps and operates entirely without fossil fuel, marking a significant step towards a cleaner energy future for the city.
“This is more than just a project; it’s a testament to Ottawa’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable energy solutions. Hydro Ottawa is proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking technology, including the highly efficient and Canadian-made SHARC Energy systems, in building a sustainable future for the community we serve. We are especially pleased that this project supports vital affordable housing and aligns with our commitment to ensuring all customers can participate in a smart and equitable energy future,” said Bryce Conrad, President and CEO, Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
Construction to connect to the City’s sewer infrastructure is slated to begin later this year, following a collaborative design phase between the City of Ottawa and the LeBreton Community Utility partners.
The LeBreton Community Utility Partnership is also engaged in discussions with the National Capital Commission (NCC) to explore the potential for the SEES network to serve additional land parcels at the LeBreton Flats redevelopment, to take advantage of economies of scale. This forward-thinking approach positions the site as a model for sustainable community energy infrastructure in Canada.
Image credit: CNW Group/Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
