MARCH 28 2024, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, BC – For households in Northern Vancouver Island facing exorbitant heating expenses and discomfort due to temperature fluctuations and drafts, relief is on the horizon. Ecotrust Canada, a non-profit organization, is rolling out a no-cost service designed to assist residents in addressing these challenges head-on. The Home Energy Savings Program will commence in the spring of 2024. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of high heating costs, discomfort, and energy inefficiency prevalent in homes throughout the region.
The Home Energy Savings Program acknowledges the hurdles households encounter when attempting energy-efficient upgrades. Through this program, residents will receive personalized guidance throughout the renovation journey, including:
- A project manager who will help residents get started and offer advice based on their situation
- Sourcing and working with contractors
- How to take advantage of available home renovation rebates and loans
- Public information and learning opportunities on upgrade types (e.g., insulation, windows/doors, heat pumps)
The program will be available beginning on March 28. Interested individuals are also encouraged to sign up for the program to stay informed about updates and launch dates. Support for Ecotrust Canada’s program comes from Natural Resources Canada, which is contributing $431,080 through its Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities Program.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Canada: “Many Canadians want to make their homes more energy-efficient, but the reality is that making these changes is not equally accessible to everyone. There are homeowners in under-resourced, rural, and Indigenous communities facing barriers that require creative solutions. Natural Resources Canada’s contribution through the Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities Program will help accelerate energy efficiency upgrades in multiple communities in British Columbia, bringing us one step closer to meeting our shared climate goals of reaching Net-Zero by 2050.”
Michael-Anthony Lutfy, Regional Retrofits Project Manager, Ecotrust Canada: “I’m excited to bring this energy upgrade program to communities that have been long underserved. As a rural resident myself, I’m well acquainted with the challenges of sourcing the right information, contractors, and financing for a home retrofit. Because our program is a personalized service targeting a specific region, we’re able to provide an adaptive retrofit process tailored to the barriers faced by residents in the Mount Waddington area.”
Patrick Donaghy, Operations Manager, Regional District of Mount Waddington: “Receiving funding through the various government programs makes home retrofits more accessible, but sometimes these programs can be overwhelming when navigating their processes. Having Ecotrust Canada in your corner providing guidance gives a homeowner the best chance to get all the support available.”
The Home Energy Savings Program underscores Ecotrust Canada’s commitment to building sustainable, just, and vibrant communities supported by thriving, place-based economies. By reducing energy costs, energy insecurity, air pollution, and safety hazards, the initiative will create lasting positive impacts for residents and the environment.
For more information on the Home Energy Savings Program, including participation details, publicly available resources, program, and frequently asked questions, please visit homeenergysavingsprogram.ca
About Ecotrust Canada
Ecotrust Canada is an enterprising charity that works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant and inclusive cultures. We call this approach building an economy that provides for life. Our on-the-ground work and systems approach is entrepreneurial, partnership-based, and relentlessly practical. ecotrust.ca
For more information:
Shannon Lough – Communications Manager, Ecotrust Canada
T: 250-624-4191 | shannon [at] ecotrust [dot] ca
PRESS RELEASE: Home Energy Savings Program For Residents Of Northern Vancouver Island (March 28, 2024)