A program that’s been on the books for several years has launched today.
A new home retrofit initiative, BetterHomes Huntsville, is now available, offering Huntsville homeowners low-interest loans for home renovations to improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs.
Retrofit projects can also include upgrades for flood prevention, renewable energy, and electrical service improvements. This program was made possible with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF), an endowment created by the Government of Canada. FCM provided a $2.7-million grant and $5.3-million loan for the program. The program includes:
- Low-interest loans of up to $40,000 for all eligible homeowners;
- Zero-interest loans of up to $40,000 for low-income households;
- Additional incentives of up to $5,000 for energy savings and eliminating fossil fuels.
BetterHomes Huntsville is a $10-million program designed to support key municipal priorities by helping to minimize the impact of rising energy prices on homeowners, enhancing the resilience of homes to extreme weather, and reducing emissions that cause climate change. The program will also create safe and comfortable housing for people of all ages while stimulating local economic growth and green job creation. To encourage homeowners to invest in retrofit projects, BetterHomes Huntsville offers upfront financing, comprehensive retrofit support, and targeted incentives.
“BetterHomes Huntsville will make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible by eliminating some of the hurdles that deter people from investing in these types of upgrades,” said Nancy Alcock, Mayor of the Town of Huntsville. “We’re helping Huntsville residents lower their utility bills, improve home comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future. These investments don’t just benefit individual homeowners—they strengthen our entire community by reducing energy demand, supporting local jobs, and building a healthier environment for our children and grandchildren.”
“Energy efficiency retrofits help us keep bills low while building a more sustainable future. The federal government is proud to support BetterHomes Huntsville and build a clean, affordable Canada, one home at a time,” said Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“With climate change, affordability and energy self-sufficiency being some of Canada’s biggest challenges, GMF, supported by the Government of Canada, is proud to support the Town of Huntsville to enable local residents to make home energy upgrades that will lower their utility bills while also advancing sustainability objectives,” reiterated Rebecca Bligh, FCM President.
Eligible homeowners can apply for loans of up to $40,000, repayable through property taxes over a 10 to 20-year amortization period. Should the home be sold, the loan is passed on to the next homeowner. Homeowners who heat with fuel oil or propane are particularly encouraged to participate. For inquiries, contact [email protected].
Applications are now open, and the BetterHomes Huntsville program will continue while funds are available. For more information on program and renovation eligibility, please visit betterhomeshuntsville.ca
From the Town of Huntsville
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