Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: One furnace is better than 500

August 14, 2025   ·   0 Comments

During the past election, all politicians were outspoken about the need for more affordable housing. Canada stands at a critical point in addressing the housing crisis. There is urgency to build, baby, build.

Many Ontario municipalities are faced with the challenge of the provincial government’s mandated growth targets, which will see some populations double by 2051. As Town Planners determine the best locations within the municipalities’ boundaries, this pivotal moment presents the perfect opportunity to rethink how we build and to create housing that balances both affordability and sustainability.

Fast construction of cookie-cutter monster home subdivisions with natural gas furnaces, hot water heaters and separate air-conditioning units is not what is needed.

One solution for consideration is to build new home subdivisions with District Energy Systems to provide heat, cooling and electricity. District heating involves generating heat in a centralized location and then distributing it to residences, businesses and industry in a local area. Imagine a new subdivision being heated with one furnace instead of 500. District energy networks offer great potential for efficient, cost-effective and flexible large-scale use of low-carbon energy. 

Typically, District Energy brings heating and air conditioning to the whole community using a network of underground insulated pipes that use water to carry heat inside in the winter and remove heat in the summer. Equipment connected to a thermostat in each home or apartment allows residents to adjust temperatures for their comfort. In St. Paul, Minnesota, the underground network also runs under sidewalks, roads, and driveways to melt ice and snow in the winter, thereby reducing the need for snow removal and salt.

District Energy’s centralized approach allows for the use of a variety of low-carbon emission energy sources, including renewable energy, geothermal, wastewater or even recaptured heat from buildings like AI Data Centres or hockey rinks.

District Energy is being implemented all over the world, including Canada. In Toronto, over 180 buildings, such as critical care facilities, government buildings, data centers, universities, and commercial and residential towers in the downtown core, use the cold water from Lake Ontario to keep cool in the summer.  The University of Toronto’s  St. George campus uses underground sources to heat and cool their facilities. District energy is a key component of Toronto’s Climate Action Plan.  It is also part of Edmonton’s Community Energy Transition Strategy. And the Canada Infrastructure Bank helps fund upfront costs for systems.  

District energy does have some challenges. For one thing, governments and businesses need to build them. Individuals can’t make the choice to have a network. As we embark on the build, build, build momentum, let’s do it as sustainably as possible.  What if you never had to buy or fix an air conditioner, furnace or hot water heater? Wouldn’t it be great if you could rely on your heating, cooling and lighting to work during a power outage, and you could count on it to be climate-friendly? That’s the benefit of a shared centralized system. Now is the time to talk to your local councillor and politicians about District Heating to see what is possible in your community as it grows. One furnace is better than 2, or 500.

This Community Voice article was submitted by Jorma Ikavalko, who is the director of Greys for Green in New Tecumseth. He is passionate about promoting clean energy uses in all facets of life and is happy to share his experience with installing a heat pump at home and driving an EV.

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