Markham, Ontario: Project partners, stakeholders, customers, and residents joined Mayor Frank Scarpitti, MPP Michael Chan and Markham District Energy (MDE) on February 28 to formally launch MDE’s second district energy system, now serving a group of commercial buildings in the city of Markham, north of Toronto.
The Cornell Centre district energy system’s plant, the Bur Oak Energy Centre, produces hot water, chilled water, steam, and electricity for Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Cornell Community Centre & Library and other buildings located in Cornell Centre. The Energy Centre is designed to serve future Cornell Centre buildings planned for construction over the next 10 years.
Markham is the only Canadian municipality to own and operate two district energy systems.
“Markham is very proud to launch the City’s second district energy system now serving Markham Stouffville Hospital and the emerging Cornell Centre development,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I was personally delighted to attend the International District Energy Association’s annual conference last June when Markham District Energy received the Association’s highest honour, the 2013 System of the Year Award. The energy systems operating in Markham Centre and now Cornell Centre are an important asset for the City of Markham.”
MDE’s Board Chair, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, added, “The partnership between Markham Stouffville Hospital and MDE is significant. It lays the foundation for a community energy system that will eventually serve all of Cornell Centre, the future home to over 10,000 residents and 10,000 employees.”
“Early discussions with Markham Stouffville Hospital go back to 2007,” noted Bruce Ander, MDE President & CEO. “Years of hard work have resulted in the creation of this community energy system that will serve Markham Stouffville Hospital and Cornell Centre customers for many decades to come. MDE is very proud to be part of this city building initiative.”
