The Government of Canada has closed the ecoENERGY home retrofit grant program two months ahead of its official end date of March 31, 2012. By limiting the program to 250,000 homeowners, $200 million already put aside will remain unused. Originally, $400 million was set aside for the program launched in 2007 that offers Canadians up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy efficient through retrofitting old roofs, windows and insulation with eco-friendly alternatives.
Those who are already registered for the program can receive post-retrofit evaluations and apply for grants until June 30, 2012. The renovations must be completed by March 31. To view Minister’s announcements go to the Government of Canada website.
In Ontario, OREA has been a strong advocate for making homes more energy efficient. During its recent Home Ownership Matters campaign, OREA had been urging all political parties to consider reintroducing rebates to homeowners who install energy efficient retrofits. The Government of Ontario stopped accepting applications under its Ontario Home Energy Savings Program on March 31, 2011
According to the OREA’s research, 92 per cent of Canadians think the government should create more environmental incentives for homeowners.
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