Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The National Capital Commission and Hydro Ottawa Group have signed a 99-year agreement to develop and operate a low-carbon district energy system at LeBreton Flats.
The system will provide heating and cooling to future buildings in the developing Ottawa community, replacing individual building energy systems with a centralized network.
The agreement gives Hydro Ottawa the exclusive right to construct and operate the district energy system throughout the area covered by the NCC’s LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan.
The system will be delivered through the federal government’s Energy Services Acquisition Program and is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the reliability and resilience of energy services.
“Through this new partnership with Hydro Ottawa Group, our government is ensuring that the rapidly growing LeBreton Flats area of Ottawa will emerge as one of Canada’s most low-carbon urban developments for decades to come,” said Joël Lightbound, minister of government transformation, public works and procurement and Quebec lieutenant.
The district energy system is a key component of the NCC’s sustainability plans for LeBreton Flats, which is expected to eventually accommodate about 11,000 new residents.
The infrastructure is designed to expand as the community develops and will include future private developments, including a planned major events centre for the Ottawa Senators.
The system will draw the vast majority of its energy from clean sources through ESAP, according to the partners.
The centralized approach is also intended to provide long-term value for customers, maintain competitive energy costs and establish consistent energy standards across the neighbourhood.
“LeBreton Flats represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking community in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region,” said Tobi Nussbaum, chief executive officer of the NCC.
Hydro Ottawa said the agreement aligns with its 2026-30 strategic direction, which identifies district energy as a key business line to support local decarbonization and the company’s commitment to net-zero operations.
The partnership is part of the broader redevelopment of LeBreton Flats, a major urban development area west of downtown Ottawa.
