Home Articles COLLABORATION IS BRINGING DISTRICT HEATING TO BURNABY IN METRO VANCOUVER

COLLABORATION IS BRINGING DISTRICT HEATING TO BURNABY IN METRO VANCOUVER

by Linda Bertelsen
Podcast: Collaboration is Bringing District Heating, Metro Vancouver

A partnership between the City of Burnaby and Metro Vancouver is driving the development of district heating in the area. The initiative will leverage excess heat from a Waste-to-Energy plant to reduce emissions and offer space heating at competitive prices. Dive into the highlights and discover why stakeholders and investors show strong interest in the project.

MEET THE EXPERTS

Kerstin Sernhed
Researcher, Lund University
James Lota
General Manager of Land and Facilities & Project Leader, Burnaby Municipality
Kameliya Hristova
Architect overseeing City Development, Burnaby Municipality

Host and Guest Introductions

Kerstin Sernhed, a researcher at Lund University, hosts the discussion with guests from Burnaby Municipality: James Lota, General Manager of Land and Facilities and project leader, and Kameliya Hristova, an architect overseeing city development. They explore why district heating is uncommon in Canada despite its cold climate and how a municipality can drive the growth of district energy.

The participants in the podcast are all part of a research project about the social sustainability of district heating. IEA-DHC funds the project, and you can find more information about the project here.

Published in Hot Cool, edition no. 1/2025 | ISSN 0904 9681 |

Rethinking Energy for a Growing City

With a population expected to grow by 1% annually, Burnaby faces increased demand for energy, driven by residential needs and the rise of electric vehicles. While British Columbia benefits from clean hydroelectric power, the current distribution grid cannot keep up with this growth. That’s where district heating comes in. By capturing waste heat from incinerated solid waste, Burnaby plans for a 66 MW system that will serve over 30,000 customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in the city’s southern region.

The system promises efficiency and cost savings for customers, reducing the need for heavy heating equipment in buildings while alleviating strain on the power grid. Architect Kameliya Hristova, a key figure in the project, highlights how the centralised infrastructure could evolve to support future heating and cooling technologies, ensuring adaptability for years to come.

Navigating Stakeholder Collaboration

Implementing district heating in a region unfamiliar with the concept poses unique challenges, particularly when it comes to aligning stakeholders. Developers must modify building designs to accommodate the system, while residents require education on the benefits of using hot water for heating instead of electricity or gas.

Environmental groups and utility companies, including BC Hydro and FortisBC, also play a pivotal role. The project team is keen to position district heating as a partnership rather than a competition, emphasizing its role in achieving shared climate goals. This collaborative approach is vital for dispelling concerns about cost, reliability, and sustainability, which remain top priorities for stakeholders.

Financing for Long-term Success

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Burnaby district heating project is its financing model. Initially funded by the municipality, the project will potentially transition into a city-owned corporation capable of accessing private equity markets. This hybrid model would allow for sustainable growth while maintaining public oversight.
Metro Vancouver Regional District is responsible for constructing the transmission system, while Burnaby handles distribution. Together, these elements represent hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. Encouragingly, private entities have shown strong interest, recognizing the project’s business potential and the stability of a municipal-led initiative.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Cities

Burnaby’s district heating initiative stems from its mayor and council’s climate emergency declaration. It aims for carbon neutrality in city operations by 2040 and community-wide by 2050. But Burnaby’s district heating project isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about reshaping how cities think about energy. By leveraging existing infrastructure, building partnerships, and innovating financing strategies, Burnaby sets a compelling example for municipalities worldwide.

Want to learn more about how Burnaby is driving this transformation and the lessons it offers for urban sustainability? Listen to the full podcast to hear directly from the people behind this visionary project.
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