Developers break ground on Kingston’s largest geothermal-heated building
Toronto’s Podium Developments kicked off construction of the first large-scale geothermal residential building in Kingston last week.
The building, which is dubbed Geo, will draw on geothermal energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also the first in the city designed to Fitwel Certification status, promoting best-in-class occupant health and wellness.
The project was officially launched by Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson, who laid the building’s cornerstone.
“As a city, we’re committed to demonstrating leadership on climate action, but we need everyone in the community involved to make an impact,” said Paterson. “The Geo is a big step forward towards a low-carbon future for Kingston and I’m excited to see this project be completed.”
In 2019, Kingston became the first municipality in Ontario to declare climate change as an emergency. The Geo was inspired by the City’s declaration, and will reduce its GHG emissions by more than 70 percent. The project is a partnership between Podium Development Corp., Secure Capital Partners Inc., and Blue Vista Capital Management LLC, together with OPTrust, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans.
“Our team is focused on leading positive change for lower carbon buildings. This is Kingston's first large-scale geothermal building, but it will not be the last,” said Podium Developments’ Managing Director, Bernard Luttmer. “Our portfolio of new multi-family projects planned in Kingston and throughout Ontario are all being designed with innovative technologies to help us reach a net-zero carbon future. We were able to celebrate this ongoing work at the Geo this week.”
The Geo will add 344 residential rental units, while 20 percent of car parking will be provisioned with EV charging capabilities. The building amenities include private outdoor terraces, a rooftop terrace, a two-storey gym with a squash court, and 344 dedicated bicycle parking spaces.
The project is located on a redeveloped brownfield infill site on Princess Street, just a short walk to Queen’s University and downtown Kingston. Once complete, it will rise to 10-storeys and feature ground-floor retail as well as a corner parkette at Princess Street and Frontenac Street.
Featured image: Podium Developments recently held a cornerstone ceremony for Geo, Kingston’s first large scale geothermal residential building. The stone was laid by (L-R) City of Kingston Mayor, Bryan Paterson and Podium Developments' Managing Directors, Bernard Luttmer and Oskar Johansson. (Billy-Jack Kimmerly)