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May 2025
 

UPDATE TO
COUNCIL

 
 
 

City leaders tour Ottawa’s local district energy systems

 
 

On May 8, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and members of City Council joined Hydro Ottawa on a guided tour of two of the region’s most innovative energy systems: The Zibi Community Utility, which recovers industrial waste heat from the Kruger Products plant, and the future-facing Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES) at LeBreton Flats. Hosted by Hydro Ottawa’s Chief Operating Officer of Distribution and Generation, Guillaume Paradis, in partnership with Theia Partners and Dream Unlimited, the event offered firsthand insight into how district energy systems are reshaping sustainable development in the National Capital Region.

 
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Innovative sewage energy project underway at LeBreton Flats

Hydro Ottawa, through its subsidiary Envari Energy Solutions, is proud to play a leading role in Ottawa’s first Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES), now underway at the LeBreton Flats redevelopment. Delivered in partnership with Theia Partners and the City of Ottawa, this groundbreaking clean energy project will sustainably heat and cool buildings using the thermal energy in wastewater, thereby eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Dream’s Odenak development will be the first to benefit, with the system providing more than 9 megawatts of capacity once completed. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5,000 tonnes annually - the equivalent of the electricity used by 3,387 homes for a full year - and supports both the City’s Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution strategy. It exemplifies Hydro Ottawa’s strategic vision of being the partner of first choice for signature green energy and carbon-reduction solutions that redefine what’s possible in urban sustainability.

Read the press release.

 
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Hiboo Networks: Building Ottawa’s Community Wi-Fi network

Earlier this week, Hiboo Networks, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc., joined National Capital FreeNet (NCF), along with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), and Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) for a special Partnership Event and information session on the next phase of CommuniFi.

“CommuniFi’s” goal is to bring free wi-fi to communities across Ottawa where there are economic and social inequities. It aims to bridge the digital divide within our communities. Building on a successful well-received pilot launched in December 2024, the project is expanding its network to deliver free Wi-Fi at local communities. This initiative helps enable low-income residents to connect to the internet free of charge in public spaces in and around their residences.

The session featured remarks by Mark Fernandes, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Hydro Ottawa & Executive Vice President at Hiboo Networks. With Phase 2 set to formally launch to the community beginning November 2025, Hiboo Networks reaffirmed its commitment by contributing 18 months of free connectivity and exploring new partnerships to bring affordable, high-quality internet access to even more businesses and neighbourhoods in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

 

NEW! Access your bill with a single click

We’ve made online billing even easier. Now customers can access a PDF of their bill from their email notification with just one click - no login needed.

Learn more.

 
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Hydro Ottawa highlights energy needs at City Building Summit

On April 23, the Ottawa Board of Trade hosted its annual City Building Summit at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. The Summit included a thorough and lively discussion of energy issues facing the city in the Powering Ottawa: breaking through the energy wall panel featuring Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa, Wendy Stephanson, City Manager, and Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad, Vice-President of Commercial, Strategy and Business Development at Enbridge Gas. The panel highlighted the overwhelming significance of planning for our future energy needs, from generation to transmission and distribution. For Hydro Ottawa and our local electricity distribution system, this means significant infrastructure investments to support and expand the grid - requiring us to build up in only 25 years the robust network that took a century to develop - to meet a projected 75 per cent rise in demand by 2050. With the federal government's recommitment to Canada’s clean energy targets, these ambitious goals can’t be carried by ratepayers alone; coordinated policy support and new funding partnerships will be essential.

 
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Powering a sustainable tomorrow

As Hydro Ottawa looks to the future, we know that ensuring a reliable energy supply is vital. Hydro Ottawa has submitted its 2026-2030 distribution rate application to the Ontario Energy Board, reflecting extensive customer feedback supporting proactive grid investments. Hydro Ottawa’s capital plan focuses on modernizing infrastructure for increased capacity, resiliency, reliability, and to support electrification and community growth.

To help customers understand where the investments are being made and how it will benefit the community now and into the future, a variety of blogs, podcasts and other materials will be shared throughout the course of the year.

Learn more.

 
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Envari recognized for leadership in sustainable energy solutions

Envari Energy Solutions (a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.) has been awarded Diamond Supplier Partner status by the Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM), the highest level of recognition the organization grants to suppliers. This designation recognizes exceptional performance and Envari’s commitment to delivering innovative, reliable energy solutions that help Ontario’s schools, colleges, and universities reduce their environmental impact and improve efficiency. It also reflects the strong relationships Envari has built with partners across the province. Envari is grateful for the continued support from OECM, partners, and customers, and looks forward to working alongside education partners in the Ottawa area and across the province in the years ahead.

One example of this work in action is the recent energy retrofit at Opeongo High School in the Renfrew County District School Board, who has made meaningful progress towards its sustainability goals with the replacement of a decades-old air handling unit. Working closely with Envari, the board installed a high-efficiency heat pump system that improves indoor air quality and significantly enhances energy performance. The upgrade is expected to reduce their reliance on propane and lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent. Safety was also a key consideration with measures taken to help prevent trips and falls, demonstrating attention to detail in the project’s design and execution. Completed during the school year with no disruption to classes, the project highlights how sustainable design, attention to safety, and effective collaboration can create a healthier environment for students and staff.

 
 
 
 
 

Shareable podcasts and blogs

 
 

District energy systems: Power our future [BLOG]

Ottawa’s rapid growth and commitment to sustainability will place an increased demand on the city’s energy infrastructure. To meet these challenges, district energy systems are one solution that enhances capacity while minimizing environmental impact.


Read more
 
 
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Ontario’s Save on Energy framework explained [PODCAST]

What does Ontario’s new 12-year Save on Energy framework mean for homeowners, businesses, and the future of energy in Canada? Tam Wagner from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) joins thinkenergy to explain why conservation is a critical tool in Canada’s transition to clean energy.

Listen now
 


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