Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) will provide more than $1 million for five projects across southwestern Ontario through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
Essex Non-Profit Homes Inc. will receive $499,990 to deep retrofit four homes with upgraded insulation, new HVAC and heat recovery systems, windows and LED lighting. The project expects to achieve a 54 per cent reduction in energy usage, 76 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 14 per cent reduction in tenant utility bills.
The project could create a model for Essex Non-Profit Homes Inc. to expand to all properties and increase the efficiency of the about 120 homes corporation owns and operates in the Essex area.
“Today’s announcement will support deep retrofits while studying similar supports in other communities,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources. “By investing in energy-efficient, low-carbon infrastructure today, we are taking the steps needed to create good-paying jobs, save consumers money and fight climate change for years to come.
“I congratulate the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and all local partners involved in this work.”
Funding will also go to:
- Corktown Cooperative Homes Inc. in the City of Hamilton – $175,000 to evaluate cost-effective methods for construction of a new building that will achieve an 80 kWh/m2 energy performance.
- Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Inc. – $175,000 to conduct a feasibility study to increase density and energy efficiency of affordable homes in the City of Hamilton.
- Victoria Park Community Homes Inc. in the City of Hamilton – $9,226 to assess energy-efficient and eco-friendly options to retrofit a high-rise apartment building.
- Indwell Community Homes – $175,000 to assess the revitalization of two heritage buildings in the City of London
“Communities of all sizes are showing leadership as climate change continues to have a drastic impact on local governments. The Green Municipal Fund empowers them to deliver results with our federal partners. Together we’re supporting local governments across Ontario to build greener and more sustainable communities while also increasing affordability and creating jobs,” FCM president Scott Pearce said in a statement.