The project is expected to reduce MDE’s carbon emissions from the production of thermal energy by over 30,000 tonnes per year.

The new hospital site is located on the land that is part of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park at the University of Waterloo.

In the year since the powers were granted, most mayors have used them sparingly — if at all — though in some corners a sense of unease with the sweeping authority remains.

Announced on July 22, the news was part of a broader announcement that sees the province top up its trades-training fund by a further $260 million.

The planned phase-out of heating oil would be paired with more financial support for Canadians to purchase and install heat pumps instead.