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Geothermal Energy Systems in Ontario
Geothermal energy systems in Ontario are an emerging facet of the province’s clean energy landscape. As Canada and the rest of the World move toward net-zero emissions, interest in geothermal energy is ever growing. The economics and environmental benefits make clear sense, now more than ever!
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy typically refers to the specialized installation of boreholes that capture free energy from the ground. Boreholes are advanced into the ground, and house pipes are filled with a heat-transfer fluid that absorbs the earth’s stable underground temperatures. The system either absorbs heat in the winter or dissipates heat in the summer, providing an efficient and sustainable method for temperature regulation.
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While the cost of drilling and installing a geothermal system is front-loaded, over a relatively short period of time, it yields significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint—a win–win scenario for the consumer and for the environment!
Regulatory Environment and Challenges
Installing geothermal systems in Ontario requires permits and adherence to provincial environmental guidelines. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulates geothermal drilling to ensure protection of groundwater sources and adherence to safety standards. Fisher Engineering has the experience to help guide you through the process.
Community Based Energy Systems
Beyond providing a sustainable, net-zero energy supply to individual residential and multi-unit homes, many municipalities in Ontario are now exploring geothermal community energy systems, which use shared infrastructure to distribute thermal energy across multiple buildings.
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Imagine for a moment, your community with the local elementary or secondary school as the energy distribution hub. During the day, a majority of the required energy for your local community is utilized to heat/cool the school.
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During the evening, the flow of energy for heating and cooling is directed towards the homes. The synergy of such a community-based energy system helps to reduce our dependence upon costly mega energy generation projects and overdependence upon unsustainable carbon-based energy sources.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements in drilling techniques are also making geothermal systems more viable and cost-effective. Innovations such as sonic drilling, improved loop designs, and better thermal conductivity materials have reduced drilling times and improved system efficiency.
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Terra Firma Environmental Services Ltd. has the experience and is ready to help you realize the cost savings and environmental benefits of a geothermal system.
Here are a few or our recent project....
Mulock Park – Newmarket, Ontario
Mulock Park, a 16-acre, four-season, $40-million-plus destination park located at Yonge Street and Mulock Drive in Newmarket, Ontario, is set to open in 2026. The landmark project transforms a historic estate into a public green oasis, featuring a long refrigerated ice trail, a conservatory, an art studio in the renovated stable, a cafe in the historic Mulock house, and a naturalized playground.
Completed geothermal site works at the Mulock Park Project provides heating and cooling for the Mulock House, Greenhouse Conservatory, and Artist Studio, all within the park grounds. It is estimated that the addition of geothermal energy will save 500+ tonnes of CO2 by 2050.
Total completed footage was 17,500 feet, through glacial till. Entire project required mud drilling and full depth casing.
Municipal Works Multi-Use Garage and Administration Building – Cornwall, Ontario
A new Municipal Works Multi-Use Garage and Administration Building, located on Ontario Street, Cornwall, Ontario, opened in 2025. The buildings are net-zero ready facilities that exemplifies Cornwall’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The newly finished 3,000 square metres (32,000 square foot) Garage/Multi-use Building replaced aging structures, consolidating multiple departments under one roof for improved efficiency.
Total completed footage was 6,000 feet, through surficial glacial till, shale and limestone formations.
Holland Haus – Bradford, Ontario
A new townhome and condo complex located in downtown Bradford. The project will include back-to-back three-storey townhomes, and an eight-storey condominium building and is slated to open in 2027. The project includes net-zero heating and cooling as provided through completed geothermal systems.
Total completed footage was 9,000 feet, through glacial till. Entire project required mud drilling and full depth casing.
Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) – Picton, Ontario
The new hospital, slated to open in 2027, will be a leading-edge health care facility designed to meet the current and future capacity needs of Prince Edward County. The 9,000 square metre (96,000 square foot), building and surrounding landscape are designed with net-zero benefits throughout. Geothermal energy systems for the new hospital were completed in 2025.
Total completed footage was 12,000 feet, through surficial glacial till, shale and limestone formations.
The Anglican Diocese of Huron and St. Paul's Cathedral – London, Ontario
Sifton Properties Limited, in partnership with Homes Unlimited (London) Inc., the Anglican Diocese of Huron, and St. Paul’s Cathedral collaborated in the construction of an affordable housing initiative in downtown London. The joint project repurposes the existing structure into 94 residential units, featuring a mix of 80 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom configurations. Geothermal energy is being utilize to efficiently heat and cool the residence. Project is slated for occupancy in 2026.
Total completed footage was 1,275 feet, through glacial till and shale formations.
New Fire Station – Vaughan, Ontario
Fire Station 7-12 in Vaughan, Ontario is set to open in 2026 in the Weston and Rutherford roads area. The new fire hall is expected to be approximately 875 square metres (9,400 square feet), with access to two apparatus bays directly off Weston Road. Station 7-12 is designed to LEED Gold standards, aiming to achieve Zero Carbon Building Standard certification through the incorporation of geothermal energy systems that were completed in 2025.
Total completed footage was 4,000 feet, through glacial till. Entire project required mud drilling and full depth casing.
Toronto Public Library – North York, Ontario
Centennial public library branch will be completely rebuilt and remain on the same site, in front of the Herbert H. Carnegie Arena. The branch will more than double in size, increasing to 1,400 square metres (15,000 square feet) and will be Toronto Public Library’s first net zero branch utilizing geothermal energy for its heating and cooling needs. Geothermal boreholes were advance in the Summer of 2025.
Total completed footage was 6,000 feet, through glacial till. Entire project required mud drilling and full depth casing.
