Q: How has Enwave’s district energy network transformed heating and cooling in Toronto? 
A: Enwave is changing how buildings are designed and operated in Toronto. By delivering energy from below, buildings can be commissioned faster, helping developers meet tight timelines. It also frees up rooftop space for amenities like green roofs, penthouses, or restaurants—such as Aera at The Well, which offers panoramic views and a rooftop bar. The system supports sustainability goals through Deep Lake Water Cooling, which uses significantly less electricity and water, and the Green Heat Program, which provides low-carbon heating. In a time of rising electricity demand and volatile energy prices, Enwave offers more stable long-term utility costs. 
 
Q: What should other municipalities consider when adopting district energy? 
A: Municipalities are essential to the success of district energy systems. Early collaboration on utility corridors can reduce construction costs by minimizing conflicts with other infrastructure. Alignment among municipalities, developers, and energy providers is critical to long-term success. Municipalities should also modernize bylaws to support energy innovation and provide incentives that reflect the value each party brings. Structuring partnerships to match commercial risks and contributions ensures lasting value for communities. 
 
Q: Why expand to Prince Edward Island, and how does it fit your strategy? 
A: PEI is a leader in sustainable resource management. The province sought solutions to reduce landfill use, manage population growth, improve energy resilience, and reduce reliance on imported energy. After more than eight years of collaboration, Enwave committed to nearly doubling the capacity of its waste-to-energy facility. This expansion will convert over 90% of the island’s black bin waste into heat for more than 120 buildings in downtown Charlottetown. The project reflects Enwave’s broader strategy of using energy networks to deliver environmental and economic value while addressing complex community challenges. 
 
Q: How has the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) supported your work? 
A: The CIB has been instrumental in enabling and scaling several major projects. In Toronto, it supported a geo-exchange district that will provide low-carbon heating and cooling to more than 4,000 residential units, creating the city’s first Net Zero community. It also backed the Enwave Green Heat Plant, set to launch in 2025, which will help decarbonize more than 10 million square feet of commercial office space. In Mississauga, the CIB supported a new district energy system at Lakeview that uses wastewater heat recovery. And in PEI, it helped fund the expansion of the waste-to-energy facility. These projects faced significant barriers, and CIB’s involvement was crucial in making them viable and maximizing their long-term environmental and economic impact. 
 
Q: How has U.S. policy affected district energy adoption in Canada? 
A: The U.S. retreat from environmental leadership has created uncertainty, slowing some investment decisions in Canada. Developers and building owners are reassessing how to prioritize upgrades. Despite this, Canadian stakeholders remain committed to sustainability and long-term asset value. Interest in district energy remains strong among municipalities and developers, and Enwave’s project pipeline is as robust as ever. These challenging conditions have actually fostered new opportunities for collaboration, helping to advance innovative energy solutions across the country.