The city hopes to have 50 percent of Guelph connected to the Galt District Energy system in the future.

In this case, it really is.

Every time the snow thaws, we brace ourselves for endless construction projects that create a little congestion. Sometimes the work is for potholes, sometimes it’s shoulder paving, sometimes it’s revolutionary.

This instance is one of the latter.

This spring and summer will see a major extension of the Galt District Energy Program as it connects to Guelph’s newest luxury address, River Mill Condominiums at 150 Wellington St. In what the city hopes is the first of many vast extensions of the project, the short-term pain of road construction is well worth the long term prosperity from clean, efficient energy here in Downtown Guelph.

For dates and details on the work, see the Guelph Mercury article below!

-Karen

“Downtown Guelph lane reductions expected this spring”

GUELPH — Expect lane reductions in downtown Guelph this spring due to construction related to the city’s Galt District Energy System.

Macdonell Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Wyndham and Wellington Street and only open to local traffic from March 30 to May 22 during the installation of underground district heating and cooling pipes between the Sleeman Centre and River Mill condominiums.

Wellington will also be reduced to one lane in each direction between Macdonell and Neeve Streets from March 30 to May 10 and again from May 20 to May 22 for final paving of the construction project.

From April 6 to May 10, there will be no pedestrian access from Neeve Street parking lot to Wellington Street. Pedestrians can use the underpass on Farquhar Street.

Non-local traffic can avoid taking Macdonell Street by using Woolwich Street and Wyndham Street as a detour.

The city says local businesses will continue to have access and the East and West Parkades will remain open. The schedule may change due to weather and site conditions.

The district energy system is designed to heat and cool buildings by sending steam, hot water and chilled water from a central hub at the Sleeman Centre through a series of underground pipes.

Such systems are common in Scandinavia.

The city hopes district energy will supply 50 per cent of its energy need within 30 years.