Emerge Guelph Proposes Community Solar Projects on Brownfield Sites

Emerge Guelph Sustainability is exploring the development of community-owned solar energy projects on two brownfield sites in Guelph, Ontario. Collaborating with the University of Guelph, they aim to utilize the former landfill and the IMICO site for solar energy production to engage local residents. The estimated project cost is $35 million, with potential for community investment. City council received the proposal positively, but no formal agreement has been established yet.

Published Mar 30, 2026

Emerge Guelph Sustainability is investigating community-owned solar energy projects on two brownfield sites in Guelph, Ontario: the former landfill and the IMICO site. The initiative, in collaboration with the University of Guelph, seeks to transform unusable land into renewable energy sources.

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The IMICO site, a 5.2-hectare area, has a history of contamination and cleanup, while the 85-hectare landfill closed in 2003, with significant waste remaining. The project is estimated to cost $35 million, with plans for community investment. The proposal was positively received by the city council on January 27, 2026, though no formal agreement has been reached.