Ontario Geothermal Association – What to Expect from Your Board and President

Dear Members,

As the newly elected President of the OGA, I wanted to wait until I had tangible updates before reaching out. After a few months in this role, I’m pleased to share progress and plans that matter to you—our members, future members, and partners.

First, thank you for your ongoing support of the OGA. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join. As Ontario’s voice for the geothermal industry, we are creating real opportunities for growth, advocacy, and collaboration.

I’ve worked in this industry for over 12 years—seven directly in operations and three on the Board. For years we’ve said, “our time is now.” Today, that moment is truly arriving. The winds of change are in our favour, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Partnerships & Collaboration
This summer, we announced new partnerships and MOUs with the Geothermal Drillers Association (GDA), the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), and the New York Geothermal Energy Association (NY-GEO). These collaborations strengthen our voice and expand opportunities across borders. More announcements will follow soon.

Member Benefits
This month we will launch a new program offering discounted rates on group benefits, insurance, safety equipment, and other services. This is just one of the ways we are increasing value for our members.

Board & Leadership
We are pleased to welcome three new Board Members: Patrick Marion (Mattamy Homes), Gaby Kalapos (Clean Air Partnership), and Justin French (Aecon). Their expertise will be a great asset to the OGA.

Communications & Outreach
Our monthly newsletter now reaches nearly 500 readers—double what we had a year ago. We welcome contributions, and our Sustaining Partner Program will be relaunching soon, offering organizations an affordable sponsorship opportunity with strong visibility.

Events & Advocacy
Planning is underway for the 2026 OGA Conference, and we’ll share details soon, including opportunities for speakers and sponsors.

On the advocacy front, we are increasing our work with municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Updates will be shared with members as they develop.

Membership Growth
As a stand-alone association with a cost-effective membership structure, growing our member base is a top priority. My goal is to triple our membership by year-end—and I believe we can do it with your support. Please spread the word about the value of joining OGA.

I always welcome input from members. Please feel free to reach me directly at pf@paulfrithconsulting.com until we launch a dedicated OGA email address.

Thank you for your support and for being part of Ontario’s geothermal future.

Sincerely,

OGA Member Benefits – Brand-New Program, Fresh Partnerships!

Being an Ontario Geothermal Association member just got a serious upgrade!

We’ve launched a brand-new Member Benefits Program – connecting you with exclusive perks, discounts, and services from four amazing partners:

• THSC – Special member pricing on health & safety programs

• Summit – Discounted commercial insurance solutions

• Rockstar Recruiting – Affordable recruiting for HVAC, technical & labour roles

• Mister Safety Shoes – Cost-effective PPE programs

And this is just the beginning – more member benefits are on the way!

Commercial Geothermal Case Study From GeoSmart

Our friends at GeoSmart Energy have shared an insightful case study showcasing the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling in a commercial setting. Learn how this project delivered significant energy savings, reduced emissions, and improved comfort for the building’s occupants — all while lowering operating costs.

Q: How does a geothermal system differ from a conventional system?

Unlike conventional heating systems that rely on combustion (natural gas, oil, or propane) to generate heat, geothermal systems transfer heat to and from the ground using a network of buried loops and a heat pump. This means no burning of fossil fuels on-site, lower emissions, and more consistent, energy-efficient heating and cooling year-round.

Schoolteachers Embrace Geothermal for a Sustainable, Comfortable Home

Vanessa and Michel R., schoolteachers near Hamilton, Ontario, knew they wanted their home to reflect their commitment to sustainability. Michel, a high school science and physics teacher, says, “I wanted to learn what it would take for us to go zero emissions in our own lives, in our own house. I was sure you could be carbon neutral and live a good life.”

After researching options, they connected with Gaston Minetti at Green Method Energy Systems and installed a five-ton variable speed WaterFurnace Series 7 heat pump with two 450-foot geothermal wells in their yard. The system now provides heating, cooling, and hot water with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 4.0–4.5, far surpassing the efficiency of their old gas furnace.

Beyond efficiency, Vanessa and Michel appreciate the comfort and health benefits. “It’s cool in the summer and warm in winter,” Vanessa explains, “and the air isn’t as dry—I used to get nosebleeds before, and I don’t get them now.” For Michel, the system also doubles as a teaching tool for his students, showing real-world applications of renewable energy.

Why geothermal? With lower utility bills, financing that made sense, and the potential to add solar in the future, the investment was easy to justify. As Vanessa puts it, “Geothermal is from Pachamama. It’s like getting a big hug from Mother Earth.”

Hayward Consulting and Design: Engineering Innovative, Practical Mechanical Solutions

Since 1997, Hayward Consulting and Design has been delivering residential and commercial mechanical designs across Ontario. With 28+ years of industry experience, their team combines deep expertise with a commitment to proven technologies, creating innovative yet practical solutions that set them apart from the competition.

Hayward’s focus on quality, reliability, and honest service has fueled their growth and established a reputation as trusted partners in mechanical design. Whether designing new systems or optimizing existing ones, they help clients achieve efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance.

Green Drinks Toronto – October 15

Looking to connect with Toronto’s environmental community? Green Drinks is a casual, agenda-free networking event bringing together people from NGOs, government, business, academia, and more.

When: Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00–8:30 pm
Where: Grace O’Malley’s, 14 Duncan Street

Drop in anytime – no RSVP needed. Just ask, “Are you green?” and you’ll be welcomed!

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.