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Lanark County is considering changes to its Better Homes Lanark program after a small share of available funding was allocated, despite the initiative being well into its timeline.
Councillor Toby Randall told county council the program was about 40 per cent of the way through, but only 14 per cent of its $10 million in available loans had been allocated.
About eight per cent of grant funding had also been allocated.
Officials discussed broadening eligibility to make smaller home energy improvements more attainable for residents, rather than requiring homeowners to commit to larger projects.
The program helps eligible homeowners finance energy efficiency upgrades, including improved windows, heating systems and heat pumps. The county also offers retrofit coaching to guide applicants through the process.
Warden Richard Kidd couldn’t speak higher of the benefits.
Randall said the average home participating in the program was built in the 1960s, with many projects involving upgrades to older equipment and homes, and participants could save up to $2,400 per year through energy upgrades.
In his verbal report, Randell said 188 eligible applications had been received, with 48 proceeding to the funding stage. Officials also reported that 68 local contractors had been trained through the initiative.
Councillor Judy Brown said this is where you start when you want to find savings.
The county will need to determine whether changes to eligibility requirements could encourage more homeowners to take part and make greater use of the available funding.
The program’s current eligibility rules and funding details are available through the county’s Better Homes Lanark webpage.
