Lonsdale Energy has commenced construction on a new heat-recovery centre in North Vancouver, B.C., that will produce six megawatts of low-carbon heating capacity for 18,000 residents.

Backed by a $17.5-million grant from the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s CleanBC stream, the project will capture heat from wastewater generated by activities such as showering, washing dishes and doing laundry, said the company. Industrial heat pumps will raise the recovered heat to provide to six megawatts of low-carbon heating capacity through the community energy network.

Once operational, the Urban Heat Recovery Centre is expected to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by approximately 7,600 tonnes of carbon-dioxide annually, the equivalent of removing about 2,700 cars from the road each year, said the company. The facility is expected to serve more than 120 buildings in its first year. Construction is targeted for completion by late 2027.

Lonsdale Energy has also commissioned a new electric-boiler energy centre in the Central Lonsdale area to increase the use of clean energy in its community energy system and reduce reliance on natural gas.

“Investing in this new heat recovery energy centre is an investment in the future of North Vancouver,” said federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, who is also the minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, the federal government’s B.C. economic development arm. “This project demonstrates how innovative, low-carbon technologies can strengthen community resilience while delivering immediate environmental benefits. Our government is proud to support a project that not only advances local climate goals but also sets a powerful example for sustainable urban development across Canada.”

B.C. Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle said the project will provide families and businesses with more affordable, sustainable energy by capturing clean, renewable heat from wastewater while reducing harmful emissions across North Vancouver.

“The new Urban Heat Recovery Centre will deliver dependable, low-carbon energy for the community and support cleaner air for everyone,” she said. “This project shows the progress we can make when partners come together and invest in solutions that improve people’s lives and protect the environment.”

City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan said the project marks a “major milestone” for the municipality and demonstrates the kind of “bold, innovative action today’s climate crisis demands.” By investing in the project, she said, the partners are taking “meaningful steps” to reduce emissions improve air quality, and build a more resilient city.

Once completed, the facility is expected to reduce Lonsdale Energy’s greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% and move the city closer to its goal of a low-carbon future.

“The Urban Heat Recovery Centre and our new electric boilers represent a major step forward in how North Vancouver generates and uses energy,” said Karsten Veng, CEO of Lonsdale Energy. “The Urban Heat Recovery Centre project shows how innovation can boost efficiency while cutting emissions across our community.”

Lonsdale Energy, a utility owned by the City of North Vancouver, was incorporated in 2003 and operates a centralized community energy system serving more than 120 buildings. Approximately one in four city residents are customers. The company is targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Pictured: Future Lonsdale Energy Urban Heat Recovery Centre in North Vancouver, B.C.

Rendering: Lonsdale Energy