Major Sustainability Upgrade to Ajax Pickering and Oshawa Hospitals will Strengthen Patient Care for Durham Region

Durham Region, Ontario — December 19, 2025 — Patients and families across Durham Region will benefit from even more resilient, efficient, and future-ready hospital facilities thanks to a major infrastructure and sustainability upgrade at Ajax Pickering and Oshawa Hospitals.

Lakeridge Health, Enbridge Sustain, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), and Blackstone Energy Services are launching the next phase of a transformational initiative to modernize critical hospital systems, reduce disruptions, and create healthier indoor environments. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce energy use by roughly one-third of current utility consumption while exceeding the organization’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and creating more efficient facilities at Ajax Pickering and Oshawa Hospitals.

“This self-funded upgrade shows how smart financial decisions can strengthen patient care,” said Chris Squire, Health System Executive, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Lakeridge Health. “By cutting energy use and emissions and improving reliability, we’re creating cleaner, more resilient hospitals and keeping more resources where they matter most: with patients.”

These upgrades support stable temperatures, reliable power, and uninterrupted care. All upgrades are being delivered through a turnkey utility services program and funded entirely through operational savings, requiring no upfront capital from Lakeridge Health.

“This initiative shows what’s possible when partners come together with our patients and community at heart,” said Matthew Cannon, Senior Director, Infrastructure and Capital Development. “Working with Enbridge Sustain, the CIB, and Blackstone Energy Services, we’re creating hospital spaces that are more comfortable, reliable, and sustainable. We’re incredibly proud of this effort and what it means for the people of Durham Region.”

“At Enbridge Sustain, our objective is clear: to advance lower emission solutions while ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable,” said Mark Irvine, Vice President, Enbridge Sustain. “Through collaboration with Lakeridge Health, The Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Blackstone Energy Services, these improvements are a living example of what we can accomplish when we work together – translating goals into reality, with tangible outcomes that will modernize Lakeridge Health’s energy systems. These improvements are expected to achieve significant reductions in energy use, while surpassing the organization’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. They will also help Lakeridge Health avoid capital costs, maintain predictable monthly expenses, and deliver efficiency and financial benefits for years to come.”

“The Canada Infrastructure Bank is proud to play a central role in the Lakeridge Health initiative,” said Dima Zreik, Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank. “Through our partnership with Enbridge Sustain and Blackstone Energy Services, we are enabling retrofits that will help Ontario institutions like Lakeridge Health achieve ambitious energy efficiency goals.”

“This initiative is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and what can be achieved when we align around the needs of patients, clinicians, and the broader community,” said Tim Schneider, President, Blackstone Energy Services. “In partnership with Lakeridge Health, Enbridge Sustain, and the CIB, we are delivering a solution that modernizes critical infrastructure, strengthens energy resilience, and supports a healthier environment across the Durham Region. We’re proud to help create facilities that are not only more efficient and reliable but truly built for the future of healthcare.”

This partnership demonstrates how industry, government, and health care can work together to shape a cleaner, more sustainable future — and set a new standard for energy efficient innovation in Ontario hospitals.

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About Lakeridge Health 

Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health.

About Enbridge Sustain

Enbridge Sustain delivers scalable, reliable and cost-effective energy-as-a-service solutions that help Canadian institutions, developers and businesses advance their emissions reduction and energy efficiency goals.  We support partners in modernizing their facilities and improving long-term performance. Our solutions aim to reduce energy use, lower greenhouse-gas emissions and enhance system resilience. Through technology upgrades, building system optimization and long-term service models, Enbridge Sustain helps organizations achieve measurable, lasting sustainability outcomes. Enbridge Sustain operates as an unregulated business (distinct from its regulated affiliate Enbridge Gas) within the Enbridge Inc. (ENB) family. Visit Enbridgesustain.com to learn more.

About Blackstone Energy Services

Founded in 2003, Blackstone Energy Services is a trusted energy transition partner for public and private sector organizations. We deliver responsible energy and carbon management solutions that help clients save, sustain, and thrive in the built environment. We focus on developing customized solutions for energy and carbon reduction, helping companies implement clean infrastructure solutions that mitigate risk and meet climate ambitions.

For more information contact: 
Strategic Communications Media
communications@lh.ca

Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager

lmurgueitio@blackstoneenergy.com