BetterHomes Huntsville program outlines energy retrofit support for local homeowners

The program anticipates retrofitting 300 high energy use homes

BetterHomes Huntsville outlined energy retrofit support for local homeowners, in the January 26, 2026, Council meeting.

Representative, Rebecca Danard, presented Council with details of the BetterHomes Huntsville program, structured as a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) and proposed as an initiative designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and increase climate resilience in existing homes.

Danard highlighted the need for the program given that many homes in Huntsville are older and, unless renovated, have not kept pace with modern building code upgrades related to air tightness, insulation, and energy efficiency.

Rising energy costs were also identified as a concern, with the average household spending approximately $3,500 annually on energy bills. Nearly half of households are considered energy-burdened, spending more than six per cent of their income on energy, while about 10 per cent face extreme energy poverty, spending more than 15 per cent of their income.

Homeowners would apply to participate, with applications screened to ensure eligibility of the homeowner, property, and proposed retrofits. A pre-project energy assessment would be conducted, followed by a low-interest loan provided by the Town at a fixed rate of 2.5 per cent for up to 20 years. A post-project assessment would confirm energy savings, with repayment made through property taxes. The loan remains attached to the property rather than the homeowner.

Program operations are proposed to run from January 2026 to December 2029, with $7.33 million loaned to homeowners, including $5.33 million from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and $2 million from Huntsville as recoverable debt.

The program anticipates retrofitting approximately 300 homes, with an average retrofit cost of $27,000. Additional funding includes a $2.67 million operations grant from FCM and $900,000 in homeowner incentives.

Incentives would be available for income-qualified participants, covering interest costs up to $10,000. Additional incentives include up to $5,000 for eliminating fossil fuels in homes heated by natural gas, propane, or oil, and energy reduction incentives on a sliding scale from $100 to $5,000 based on verified savings.

The presentation adds that eligible projects must achieve at least a 25 per cent energy reduction, with total project costs between $15,000 and $40,000. At least 80 per cent of funding must be directed toward energy efficiency measures. Program benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency, climate-resilient homes, support for aging in place, increased local spending, and job creation within the community.

Danard added that program coaches are also available to help homeowners make decisions about things like contract quotes, including suggestions to get a quote from another contractor if the first one is too high.

Staff advised that the official launch will start Tuesday January 27^th through press releases and a social media campaign.

They added, “We’re really hoping this is something that will pick up and gain some traction.”