Transforming a former coal plant into Lakeview Village development, this project pioneers Canada’s largest low-carbon community powered by an innovative wastewater-based district energy system.
Transforming a former coal plant into Lakeview Village development, this project pioneers Canada’s largest low-carbon community powered by an innovative wastewater-based district energy system.
After 43 years of operation, a coal-burning power plant in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada was decommissioned in 2005 and underwent decades of remediation and planning. In 2017, developers at Lakeview Community Partners Limited took ownership of 117 acres, with a vision to transform it into a sustainably focused mixed-use waterfront community with 16,000 homes, parks, retail space and offices. The plan included innovative use of a low-carbon sewage effluent heat recovery-based district energy system (DES) to help the city meet its 2030 greenhouse gas-reduction targets.
Innovative energy solutions for sustainable communities
The Lakeview Village development approach delivers significant benefits by transforming a former industrial brownfield into a vibrant, sustainable waterfront community. By integrating an innovative district energy system that recovers thermal energy from treated wastewater, the project dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, while providing efficient heating and cooling for thousands of homes and businesses.
District energy: a low-carbon solution
Lakeview selected district energy as the optimal approach for supporting the development to achieve its low-carbon energy goals. This choice provides a solution that is (i) reliable and resilient; (ii) cost competitive in the market; and (iii) adaptable over time. By using treated wastewater as a thermal source, the system will avoid exposure to fuel price volatility. By using one centralized facility to serve many buildings, the system lowers long-term operational costs through shared equipment, reduced maintenance and staffing needs, fewer replacements, and economies of scale that optimize equipment sizing and energy efficiency.
The design uses an underground network of pipes to provide centralized heating, cooling and domestic hot water to the entire Lakeview community. Once complete, it will be the first of its kind in Ontario, the largest in Canada, and among the first in North America to utilize treated wastewater as a thermal energy source. The system captures thermal energy from treated wastewater at the nearby G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility and uses that energy to heat and cool buildings, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel-based systems. This innovative reuse of effluent significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping Lakeview Village meet the climate goals of the city and the region.
Integrated design for constructability and performance
Our role as the mechanical and electrical designer for the Central Utility Plant focused heavily on constructability and long-term viability. We provided value engineering and specialty consulting of the plant to address evolving requirements from the client and planning authorities. Our plant equipment design included multiple layout and configuration options based on technical performance, supply chain availability, construction risks and full life cycle operation costs. To achieve the project’s ambitious vision, the team applied an integrated design process that enabled close collaboration across engineering disciplines. We operated as one team, sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience across North America and drawing on global support from subject matter specialists.
Building a future-forward model for sustainable urban living
As of July 2025, vertical construction has begun on the first residential buildings within Lakeview Village. This marks a major milestone indicating that the project has moved beyond planning and land preparation into full building activity. The centralized heating system lowers long-term energy costs, enhances climate resilience, and supports regional sustainability goals. Coupled with mixed-use planning, green spaces and community engagement, Lakeview Village sets a benchmark for urban brownfields redevelopment that combines environmental stewardship with economic growth and improved quality of life.