District heating project could set stage for similar ventures, says Environment Minister

Corner Brook - The process of building a foundation towards a district energy system in Corner Brook is well established, and it is hoped the heat will someday follow.

The proposed project - a partnership between the City, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, College of the North Atlantic, Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Centre of Environmental Excellence - is in the early stages of a feasibility study. Plans are to utilize untapped resources at the city's paper mill as the energy source for an underground hydronics system that supplies hot water to buildings for heating and domestic hot water.

The provincial government, through a newly implemented green fund, provided $40,000 to this study - roughly half of its cost. Minister Charlene Johnson believes the project could be a measuring stick for the rest of the province.

"I am often questioned about the challenges when it comes to the environment," she told The Western Star following a partnership press conference at the College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook on Friday.

"Well, with the challenges, there are opportunities and that's where my focus wants to be - turning those challenges into opportunities. I think this is a great example for the west coast of the province to set an example, set a precedent, and hopefully other municipalities and other towns will follow their example."

She is looking forward to the results of the feasibility study to determine whether it is viable to move into subsequent phases. She said the green fund is there to assist, along with the technical expertise of the department's staff.

"It's something we should be doing and very excited to be doing," the minister said. "Whenever you can turn something that is waste into something you can use as an energy source, that is absolutely fabulous in terms of reducing our environmental footprint."

Bill Dawson, project manager for the Centre of Environmental Excellence, said there is optimism, but it's a wait-and-see game through this juncture.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed," he said. "We are really encouraged with the project, but I can't assume anything."