Inspired by the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, Quebec-based company Geolagoon is planning to build the world’s largest geothermal lagoon in Canada. Jenny Southan reports
Located in Charlevoix, on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Canada, the futuristic Geolagoon wellness project will cover 12,000 sqm of land and include 300 new-build chalets that together create a spa village.
At its centre will be artificial open-air lagoon that will feature a “patent-pending” thermal reservoir heating system, which will maintain the temperature of the water at a perfect 39°C, even during icy winters.
According to a study carried by Canadian sustainable energy firm Akonovia, Geolagoon will be completely self-sufficient. A vast thermal reservoir will sit beneath the lagoon, powered by a combination of geothermal, biomass, photovoltaic and solar heating.
Even the chalets will absorb solar energy to help power the heat pumps via a photovoltaic cladding on their exteriors.
Louis Massicotte, owner and CEO of Geolagoon, says: “Quebec is in pole position to demonstrate to the world that self-sufficiency in renewable energy is a real business option, particularly in the tourism industry.”
After Charlevoix, Geolagoon has plans for three more such lagoons at Laurentides, Lanaudière and the Eastern Townships locations in Canada. Construction of the site is expected to begin in March 2023.