A landmark housing development at LeBreton Flats will soon be powered by an advanced system that captures energy from the city’s wastewater. The Odenak project, consisting of two residential towers with 600 units, will use Canadian-made technology from SHARC Energy Systems to provide nine megawatts of heating and cooling.
The process diverts sewage into an external well, filters out solids and passes the remaining flow through a heat exchanger before returning it to the city’s sewer. This approach, known as the Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES), will operate entirely without fossil fuels, making it the first of its kind in Ottawa.
Officials estimate the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 5,066 tonnes annually, equivalent to the electricity use of more than 3,300 homes each year.
VIDEO | See how the SHARC system works
A Partnership for Sustainable Growth
The system is being delivered through the LeBreton Community Utility Partnership, a joint venture between Hydro Ottawa subsidiary Envari Holding Inc. and Theia Partners. The partners are working with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission to expand the network to other parcels within the redevelopment.
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Hydro Ottawa president Bryce Conrad called the project a testament to Ottawa’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable energy solutions, while Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said it demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be repurposed to reduce emissions and support growth.
Construction to connect the towers to Ottawa’s sewer network is expected to begin later this year, with completion scheduled for 2026.
Affordable Housing and Community Features
Odenak, located at 665 Albert Street near Pimisi LRT station, will rise 30 and 35 storeys. Along with market-rate apartments, the development includes 133 affordable units owned and managed by the Multifaith Housing Initiative.
The affordable housing will serve Indigenous families, veterans, new immigrants, women, children and adults with cognitive disabilities.
The project also emphasizes accessibility, with more than 30 percent of units and public spaces designed to be barrier-free. A gathering circle between the towers will create a central space for residents.
Canada’s Largest Zero-Carbon Community
The Odenak towers form part of the larger Dream LeBreton community, which has been designated the country’s largest zero-carbon residential development. Beyond wastewater energy recovery, the site will integrate solar power and other renewable systems to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
The project aligns with Ottawa’s Climate Change Master Plan, which aims to cut city-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 96 percent by 2040. Developers say the towers will generate enough cooling capacity for 2.4 million square feet of space and serve as a model for sustainable urban energy.
As construction progresses, the LeBreton Flats initiative highlights how Canadian cities are turning to innovative infrastructure to meet ambitious climate goals while delivering much-needed housing.
Feature image: Shanta Rohse (CC BY); Image 1: Chuck Clark (CC BY-NC-ND)
