Ottawa, ON — The federal government has announced funding for grants that are expected to impact the plumbing and HVAC/R industries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Seamus O’Regan, minister of natural resources, launch the $2.6 billion Canada Greener Homes Grants program as of May 28.
“Whether replacing a drafty window, adding insulation, or making upgrades ahead of a tough Canadian winter, today’s investment will help Canadians make their homes more comfortable and life more affordable,” said Trudeau. “Improving the energy efficiency of our homes not only cuts down on pollution, it also creates new jobs, economic growth, and a cleaner future for everyone.”
This new program is designed to provide Canadians with grants up to $5,000 to pay for energy-saving home upgrades, and $600 for EnerGuide evaluations, for a total of $5,600 worth of potential grants per household. The program was originally announced in November 2020 as part of the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement.
These grants could help owners retrofit their homes by installing new heaters, solar panels, and replacing windows and doors, report the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). The program is also being applied retroactively to Dec. 1, 2020.
“CIPH and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) are pleased to see the government’s recognition that retrofits are a critical area of investment to improve Canada’s energy efficiency, combat climate change, and create jobs,” reports CIPH in a press release. “The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a positive step for Canadian homeowners but more needs to be done to advance retrofits in Canada’s non-residential built environment in order to maximize the impact retrofits can have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stimulating our economy, and getting Canadians back to work.”
To apply to the program, please visit www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2021/05/government-of-canada-invests-in-energy-efficient-homes.html.
Applications for the program begin with an energy evaluation by a certified adviser. The adviser would then visit an applicant’s home to determine which energy-saving measures would qualify for reimbursement. If the homeowner chooses to proceed, a licensed contractor would then be hired to conduct the retrofits. After an inspection of the completed work, the homeowner would be reimbursed.
“CIPH and MCAC look forward to continuing our federal advocacy to push the federal government to expand retrofit programming beyond residential spaces, while also investing in the skilled tradespeople needed to support these projects.”
More to come.