Geo-Energy Projects

The first phase of a ground system of harnessing heat from the earth has been constructed in the Parkland development in Upper Gibsons. This phase will provide heating energy to 27 residential lots. Future phases are proposed to be constructed as development progresses in the Upper Gibsons Area. GHX fields can be built as the development grows and can be extended to service existing development. The Town received grants for a feasibility study, business plan, design and construction of the first phase of this venture.  The distribution system was funded and installed by the developer while the GHX fields themselves were funded through grant and taxation.

September 10, 2010 Public Information Package

The first home will be connected to the system before the end of 2010.

Ground Heat Exchange (GHX):
A ground system of harnessing heat from the earth is proposed to be constructed as development progresses in the Upper Gibsons Area. GHX fields can be built as the development grows and can be extended to service existing development. The Town received grants for a feasibility study, business plan, design and construction of the first phase of this venture.  The Towns consultant, GeoXergy, has updated the draft plan and provided an update to Council in the early part of July. Design is now underway for this system by GeoXergy, who is working closely with the developer of the UGNP Parkland Subdivision to ensure that the design is integrated into the overall servicing for this development. The distribution system will be funded and installed by the developer while the GHX fields themselves will be funded through grant and taxation.

July 5, 2010 Public Information Package

Ocean Energy:

There is a unique opportunity for Gibsons to take advantage of the almost limitless supply of energy available in the ocean which can be used to augment the heat in the ground looping system. Preliminary research indicates that the ocean water remains at a fairly stable temperature ranging between 9 degrees and 12 degrees (48 degrees F and 54 degrees F). By circulating ocean water through a heat exchanger near the shore of the ocean large amount of energy can be made available to the properties of Gibsons.

As with the ground looping system, the transmission fluid will be food-grade propylene glycol .The discharge of water back into the ocean will be at a lower temperature than the water entering the system but will be discharged at a level in the ocean with a corresponding water temperature. There will be no mixing of the glycol and the saltwater during this process.
The Town plans to pursue grant funding for this project. The Upper Gibsons Stormwater Diversion Trunk System is also proposed under these grant applications to replace ageing infrastructure and improve stormwater runoff quality. The combination of the two projects will enable the utilization of the old School Road storm-sewer as a casing pipe for the heat exchange conduits.

January 4, 2012 Geo-Exchange Webinar

Contact Information:

Director of Engineering
Dave Newman

Phone: 604.886.2274
Fax: 604.886.9735
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Location and Mailing Address
474 South Fletcher Road
Box 340
Gibsons, BC  V0N 1V0

Business Hours
8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).