Ersilia Serafini Joins the OGA the Board of Directors

The Ontario Geothermal is pleased to welcome Ersilia Serafini to the Board of Directors. Ersilia is the CEO of Summerhill, a Canadian-owned and operated energy efficiency implementation company operating in nearly every province and territory. She has dedicated her career to advancing Canada’s environment and energy sector, building and leading teams committed to achieving measurable reductions in energy use. At the community level, Ersilia serves on the Board of Toronto Hydro Corporation, is the Treasurer of the Clean Economy Fund, sits on the Board of the Ontario Geothermal Association, and is a member and Board Officer of the Toronto Gold Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization. We are thrilled to have Ersilia’s leadership and expertise supporting OGA’s mission

Toronto Star Spotlights Geothermal Growth in Toronto

The Toronto Star recently highlighted the impressive growth of geothermal projects in Toronto.

A new partnership between Mattamy Homes and Diverso Energy is transforming how Toronto heats and cools its buildings — and geothermal energy is leading the way. With innovative “energy-as-a-service” financing, geothermal is now being integrated into nearly 30% of new homes across the city, offering developers and residents a low-carbon, cost-stable solution for the future.

Read the full article below to see how OGA and its members are driving this change.

Featured Article: The Geo Solution – Unlocking Deep Decarbonization

As Ontario works toward a carbon-free future, the building sector stands as one of the greatest opportunities for climate action. In our latest article, The Geo Solution: Unlocking Deep Decarbonization While Protecting Ontario’s Water Resources, we explore how geothermal (geoexchange) systems can play a vital role in reducing emissions while safeguarding groundwater.

The piece highlights the importance of clear, science-based regulations and strong Green Development Standards (GDS) to help municipalities drive sustainable, low-carbon building practices across the province.

Welcome to Our New OGA Members!

The Ontario Geothermal Association is excited to welcome our newest members to the OGA community. Each brings valuable expertise and shared commitment to advancing clean, sustainable energy solutions across Ontario.

We’re thrilled to have you join us—together, we’re driving the future of geothermal innovation and collaboration.

Q: What is the difference between geothermal systems and air-source heat pumps?

Air-source heat pumps extract heat (or cooling) from the outside air, while geothermal systems draw it from the ground, where temperatures stay much more stable year-round. Because of that consistency, geothermal systems are generally more efficient—especially during Canada’s cold winters—providing steady comfort and lower operating costs compared to air-source systems.

Morrisburg Doctor Says Geothermal is Healthier

Dr. Gerry and Lois Rosenquist have called eastern Ontario home since the 1960s, raising five children and building strong ties in their Williamsburg community. A family doctor and founder of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic in Morrisburg, Gerry has always cared deeply about health—both for people and for the planet.

When the Rosenquists built their new 4,000 square foot home in Iroquois, Gerry wanted a heating and cooling system that would be gentle, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Working with Jimmie Thom of ATEL Air, they installed a 4-ton closed-loop geothermal system with 2,400 feet of pipe laid in a five-foot-deep trench.

“Geothermal is healthier than oil or gas,” Gerry explains. “No swings and valleys—just steady, comfortable heat. It’s better for your body and better for the air we breathe.”

The system has proven both cost-effective and comfortable. Their electricity bills average about $400 a month, with roughly half of that going to heating and cooling. “Oil heat would be 40 percent more and conventional air conditioning would double our cooling costs,” says Gerry.

For Gerry and Lois, geothermal isn’t just about savings—it’s about sustainability and family. Their daughter and granddaughter also live in homes heated and cooled by geothermal. “It’s a family affair,” he smiles. “Geothermal keeps us comfortable and it keeps our air clean.”

New Horizon Developments: Building Quality, Sustainable Communities Since 1993

Since 1993, New Horizon has been shaping communities across Ontario with a focus on thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship, and sustainable development. From custom estates to planned neighbourhoods and stylish condo developments, their projects redefine what homebuyers can expect from a modern living space.

New Horizon’s developments cater to a wide range of residents—from first-time buyers finding independence in townhomes and condos, to growing families seeking comfort in planned communities, to clients realizing their dream homes with multi-million dollar custom estates. Their commitment to creative design, superior construction, and sustainable urban planning ensures that each home and community not only meets current needs but also enriches the broader community.

With a dedicated team of builders and planners, New Horizon continues to set the standard for quality, style, and functionality in residential development.

Contractor Registration Open: Home Renovation Savings Program – Heat Pump Stream

Contractor registrations for the Home Renovation Savings Program – Heat Pump Stream are now open until November 30, 2025. This registration window is a key opportunity for additional Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) contractors to join the program and help meet growing demand.

Program requirements and submission details are outlined in the official documentation linked below:

• Program Requirements: Download PDF

• Contractor Registration: Sign Up Here
  

Contractors are encouraged to review Section 3.4: HVAC Contractor Registration in the Program Requirements before applying.

We’re always eager to hear your ideas, suggestions, and feedback! Your input is valuable to us, and we encourage you to reach out with any thoughts or comments. Please feel free to contact Paul Frith for more information or to share your ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact us via email here.