Water Tower District

GEOptimize completed a feasibility study in 2025 for a large-scale district geothermal system serving a proposed mixed-use development by Shindico Realty Inc. and Oxala Developments in Winnipeg. The project encompasses approximately 165 acres and includes 38 buildings totaling approximately 68,000 m² (733,000 ft²) of residential, commercial, retail, and industrial space.

The objective of the study was to determine the technical and economic feasibility of implementing a ground source heat pump (GSHP)–based thermal energy network (TEN) to provide space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water in place of fossil fuels and electric resistance heating. The TEN was evaluated as a utility-owned and operated geothermal utility regulated by the Public Utilities Board.

Multiple geothermal source configurations were assessed, including open-loop groundwater systems utilizing extraction and reinjection wells, closed-loop horizontal ground heat exchangers, closed-loop vertical borehole systems, and hybrid configurations integrating open- and closed-loop systems.

The study also evaluated opportunities to integrate waste heat sources and wastewater heat recovery to improve overall system efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A key component of the feasibility assessment involved evaluating subsurface conditions. Historical site usage indicated the presence of a productive aquifer, suggesting that partial or full reliance on groundwater-based systems could significantly reduce capital costs relative to fully closed-loop systems. The analysis demonstrated how even partial utilization of groundwater resources could materially reduce ground heat exchanger infrastructure requirements and improve overall project economics.