BetterHomes Ontario, a Climate Action Partnership project, supports municipalities in developing and delivering community-based retrofit programs by reducing administrative burdens and facilitating scale-up opportunities.
Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change is a key priority for all orders of government in Canada. Provincially, the heating and cooling of the buildings we live, work and play in contributes about one-quarter of all Ontario greenhouse gas emissions. Municipalities are seeking options to support their residents in advancing energy efficiency opportunities and building local capacity within their contractor and renovator markets.
Our BetterHomes Programs
Program Design and Feasibility Studies
CAP has undertaken program design and feasibility studies in partnership with the following municipalities:
- City of Barrie
- City of Brantford
- City of Cornwall
- City of Kawartha Lakes
- City of London
- Dufferin County
- Grey County
- Municipality of Clarington
- Peterborough County
- Selwyn Township
- Tay Valley Township
- Town of Collingwood
- Town of Huntsville
CAP also runs a Community of Practice for municipalities operating BetterHomes or similar programs.
A municipal residential retrofit program such as BetterHomes can provide significant benefits to the municipalities and its residents.
- Reducing Residential GHG emissions
A retrofit program is one of the few ways municipalities can reduce emissions from residential buildings. - Increased Energy Literacy
Comprehensive support for residents will help them better understand energy efficiency and navigate all available programs.
- Stable and Predictable Funding
The municipality can provide consistent funding and eligibility for residents who choose to participate in the program.
- Addressing Energy Poverty
The program can support residents in reducing their energy spending. Providing upfront financing and low-income support reduces barriers to participation. - Resilience to Climate Change and Heritage Preservation
Retrofits keep older homes in good condition and prepared for the impacts of climate change, while preserving the character of the buildings and neighbourhoods.
- Locally Adaptable
Programs can be customized to meet local needs and priorities such as renewable energy generation, EV adoption, accessibility, or ageing-in-place.
- Property-Linked Loans
Financing tied to property, not the individual. Only municipalities are able to use this financing mechanism.
- Skilled Workforce Development
Programs provide training for contractors and local job creation.
- Proven Model
24 municipalities in Ontario are operating or developing programs.
CAP acts as the Program Administrator for BetterHomes, bringing efficiencies of scale and best practices to program delivery.
As the Program Administrator, CAP plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of retrofit programs by reducing costs and administrative burden for municipalities. We design and implement systems to manage homeowner records, verify eligibility across individuals, properties, and retrofit measures, and ensure accurate assessment and integration of both internal and external incentives. We are responsible for confirming project completion and outcomes, and overseeing the development and maintenance of template agreements, bylaws, risk management protocols, and data verification frameworks. We undertake program monitoring and verification, including reports to Council and funders as needed.
CAP can also lead comprehensive program communications, including branding, website development, promotional content, and outreach materials. We test messages and tactics in all our programs, amplifying the ones that are most effective. We lead community engagement efforts, uphold equity standards, and initiate productive local partnerships. We can streamline the procurement of energy coaching, program outreach, communications and other services, leading to improved customer service and experience. We also deliver training to engage contractors to become ambassadors for the program.
