Retrofit Assist program expands to encompass full home energy efficiency measures

From the newsroom of the Community Energy Association

Retrofit Assist service is helping homeowners transition to improved home comfort and energy efficiency

Retrofit Assist launched in 2022 to assist homeowners on their journey to installing electric home heating and cooling systems. As of June 2023, the program expanded encompass a full suite of home energy efficiency measures to help homeowners improve comfort, become more energy efficient and reduce emissions.

Participants in the program have the opportunity to work with a team of experts that provide a free concierge service to guide them along the journey with expert input from professional energy advisors and contractors specialising in air sealing, insulation, windows and doors, heat pump installation, and more. The service provides assistance all the way from interested to installed.

Deep energy retrofits offer homeowners the opportunity to improve year-round comfort through a process of addressing frailties in the building envelope by sealing air leakage points and increasing insulation followed by introducing heat pumps for heating and cooling. While not all participants will undertake a full deep energy retrofit, the program provides support for those looking to undertake any or all of these measures.

Retrofit Assist participants will now have access to a dedicated energy advisor who will conduct a detailed energy assessment for their home. The subsequent report will contain an energy consumption report with a list of clear steps that the homeowner can take to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

The process commences with a home energy assessment undertaken by a professional energy advisor. The resulting “Energuide Report” outlines the process to follow that will improve the performance and comfort of the home.

“The District of Squamish is pleased to once again participate alongside the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Community Energy Association to assist and support homeowners in the Retrofit Assist Program,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “We are happy with the success of the Retrofit program so far and the work they are doing to help homeowners navigate the sometimes-daunting process of swapping their home’s energy system to a new climate-friendly and efficient source. As part of our Six Big Moves to reduce our emissions in Squamish, decarbonizing existing buildings will make a huge impact in reaching our net zero carbon goal by 2050”

Mayor Jack Crompton of the Resort Municipality of Whistler also wants residents to take advantage of the program, saying: “Whistler is working to make existing buildings better. We have set a goal to reduce emissions from residential buildings by 20% and from large commercial buildings by 40% by the year 2030. Offering Retrofit Assist to constituents is just one way our community is working to achieve this. I encourage all community members to take advantage of the expanded services now available to help them improve the health and comfort of their homes while also contributing to our emissions reduction targets, while also maximizing the rebate they receive for their efforts.”

Current provincial and federal funds offer homeowners the opportunity to access financial support when upgrading the energy efficiency of their home. Retrofit Assist provides guidance on how to access the maximum funding opportunities available, helping homeowners to achieve their goals.

Program Manager, Tami Rothery said: “We are really excited to be expanding the program to offer even more opportunities for homeowners in Squamish and Whistler to improve their homes. Our intake is open now and we are accepting participants right away.

“Some people don’t know that there is significant grant funding available to help people make their homes more energy efficient, and it’s our job to help people access this, while helping to ensure their homes are comfortable all year round.”

Retrofit Assist was a joint venture that started in 2020 in collaboration with the District of Squamish and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. The program was made possible with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and BC Hydro and is administered by the Community Energy Association.

Homeowners and HVAC contractors are encouraged to visit retrofitassist.ca to learn how the program can support them and see if they are eligible to participate.

About the District of Squamish

Inspired by nature and hardwired for adventure, the District of Squamish is the local municipal government servicing a growing and diverse community with a population of 24,000+, inclusive of members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) upon whose traditional unceded territory we live, work and play. Nestled between ocean and mountains, the vibrant and entrepreneurial town-feel, lush natural environment, and unmatched outdoor recreation make for a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and business destination. Guided by the Squamish 2040 Official Community Plan, Council and staff work to effect meaningful change on the most important community issues of our time under five main goals: Resilient, Healthy, Connected, Liveable and Engaged.

About the Resort Municipality of Whistler   

Situated within the shared, unceded territory of the L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish People), the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a destination resort community, local government organization and leader in providing municipal programs, services, progressive planning and infrastructure for almost 14,000 permanent residents and over three million annual visitors. Whistler is located approximately two hours north of Vancouver along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway and within the epic Coast Mountain range.      

Our vision: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected and guests are inspired.  

July 26, 2023