City under pressure to retrofit four buildings losing connection to district steam heating

London Public Library, Dundas Street (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

The City of London has less than a year and a half to replace that heating/cooling systems in four downtown buildings.

According to a report to the Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee (ICSC), Enwave Energy Corporation, previously London District Energy, has notified city hall of their intent to cease operating most of the medium-pressure steam line in the downtown core by October 31, 2026.

In additional to privately owned buildings in the affected area, the steam line services City Hall, the Central Branch of the London Public Library, Centennial Hall, and Museum London.

“The City will need to transition the heating system from a centralized supply of steam to an in-building heating source for affected facilities,” reads the report.

Currently, Enwave is investigating if installing temporary boilers would create redundancy and reliability during the notice period until October 2026.

There is interest from Enwave to install a temporary boiler system along Wellington Street adjacent to the City Hall property, but there are concerns about the noise impacts on the area.

A second location near the western terminus of the steam line along Queens Avenue is also under consideration by Enwave.

Meanwhile, city staff are considering the feasibility of options to provide heat and humidification to the four buildings.

“Based on our experience, it is likely the total cost to address this issue will exceed $5 million for all affected buildings,” the report warns.

Council will have to determine a source of funding to cover the cost of retrofitting the buildings.

“Investigations into feasible options to provide heat and humidification will need to be completed and engineered designs completed before costs or potential impacts to affected facilities can be determined,” the report concludes.