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Government of Canada invests in cleaner energy system for the National Capital Region

July 2, 2020

Modernization of heating and cooling plants will significantly cut carbon pollution and save money

OTTAWA, June 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians are already feeling the impacts of climate change, and expect their governments to take action to reduce carbon pollution. In the National Capital Region, events once known as 'the flood of the century' are now happening every few years. In Western Canada, wildfires are filling the air with smoke and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. To lead by example in the fight against climate change, the Government of Canada is making its own operations greener and adopting technologies that significantly cut carbon pollution, reduce costs, and ensure a safer future for our kids and grandkids.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government of Canada will partner with Innovate Energy, through a public-private partnership model, to modernize how it heats and cools buildings in the National Capital Region which will also allow the city, the community, and local businesses tap into cleaner power.

The contract, awarded to Innovate Energy, includes a $1.1 billion investment for the design and construction of the new system, to be completed by 2025, as well as additional funding for ongoing maintenance and operation.  The investment is just one more way the Government of Canada is greening the capital.

By switching the heating and cooling plants to cleaner technology – from steam, to a fully electric system for cooling and low-temperature hot water for heating – the project will reduce carbon pollution by 63 per cent, save hundreds of millions of dollars, and improve safety conditions. The partnership also includes the operation and maintenance of the system from 2020 to 2055.

Quotes

"We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which includes leading by example by greening our own heating and cooling plants. We are proud that our Government is working with partners like Innovate Energy to modernize this critical infrastructure, reduce costs and emissions in a safe and responsible way."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

"By investing in cleaner and more efficient ways to deliver energy to tens of thousands of occupants in the National Capital Region, we are reducing pollution, fighting climate change, and saving hundreds of millions of dollars on operating costs. District energy will allow the city, the community, and the local businesses to tap into cleaner power. We are working hard to make Ottawa the greenest capital city with investments in LRT, cycling infrastructure, active transportation, and a healthier Ottawa River. We are setting the standard for how communities can become greener and more resilient in the face of climate change.  Projects like this show that investing in practical, affordable clean energy solutions protects our environment, supports good jobs, and builds a stronger economy for the future. The environment and the economy go together."

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"The Innovate Energy Team members consisting of PCL Constructors Canada, PCL Investments Canada, Black & McDonald, and Engie Services, along with our design partners BBB Architects Ottawa and WSP Canada, are honoured to have the opportunity to work with PSPC to modernize the district energy system.  This project will be one of the country's most significant projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save operational costs, and improve safety."

Tony Cook
Construction Manager
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

For further information: Marielle Hossack, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, 819-997-5421; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Related Links

www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

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