Geothermal Heating System Permit for Sarnia Residential Buildings
Official title: Drewlo Holdings Inc. - Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)
A developer wants to install an open-loop geothermal heating system for three apartment buildings in Sarnia. The system would draw water from the marina bay, use it for heating, then discharge it back about 23 metres offshore. At peak capacity, it could process over 12 million litres of water daily.
Why This Matters
Live near Sandy Lane or use the Sarnia marina? This system would continuously draw and discharge millions of litres of water daily into the bay. Residents of the new buildings would benefit from efficient heating, but neighbours may have questions about water quality impacts.
What Could Change
If approved, Drewlo Holdings could operate a geothermal system discharging up to 12.2 million litres of processed water daily into the marina bay. The permit would set conditions for water discharge temperature and quality.
Key Issues
- Should this geothermal system be approved to discharge water into the marina bay?
- What environmental conditions should apply to the water discharge?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on this consultation page. Supporting materials may be available to view in person by contacting the ministry.
- Submit your comments through the Environmental Registry by January 9, 2026, or email enviropermissions@ontario.ca.