Better Homes Kingston
Better Homes Kingston is a program to encourage homeowners to undertake deep-energy retrofits. Homeowners who participate in the program can qualify for local improvement charge (LIC) financing of up to $40,000 loans at 0% interest, with the option for an initial 30% upfront to pre-pay contractors for your services.
Better Homes Kingston Update
The Better Homes Kingston program launched on April 11th, 2022, and as of November that year the City received 470 applications. FCM approved the Better Homes Kingston program and established the following key performance indicators over the four years of the funded program: Year 1 (2022) – 25 projects, Year 2 – 125 projects, Year 3 - 150 projects and Year 4 – 200 projects. In just six months, applications have exceeded our plans not only for the 1st year but for the entire 4 years of the program.
The program has been an overwhelming success. The $12 million funded LIC program has already allocated over $11M for approved applications to date. In order to ensure that the City does not over subscribe the program, staff suspended application intake for Better Homes Kingston. A wait list has been established for residents who are interested in participating and they will be contacted if or when allocated funding is released from those participants already registered but do not continue in the program. Other municipalities who did not suspend applications oversubscribed their program, creating disappointment among homeowners that applied and were unsuccessful. This reflected poorly on the program and could be avoided in Kingston.
Staff will continue working with the approved applicants to complete their energy retrofits in a timely manner. Over 200 projects have been completed to date which have achieved an average greenhouse gas emission reduction of over 65% - well over the goal of 30%.
The LIC financing is the primary focus of the initial years of Better Homes Kingston implementation as required under the FCM funding model. The long-term goal of Better Homes Kingston, as presented in Report Number EITP-21-007, will be to transition to third-party financing through utility providers, contractors, equipment suppliers, financial institutions or other private capital investment.
Questions about Better Homes Kingston can be answered by visiting Better Homes Kingston | City of Kingston.
Other Home Improvement Programs
Home Winterproofing Program
Are you an Enbridge/Union Gas customer? If your home and household income levels qualify, you’ll get free insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat to reduce energy costs up to 30% and make your home more comfortable. Click the image to the left to learn more about the program. Fill out the Home Winterproofing Program Application Form to see if you’re eligible for free upgrades.
IESO Energy Affordability Program
The Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to lower their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort. The program offers energy-saving upgrades tailored to the specific needs of your home, all at no cost. Click the image to the left to learn more about the program. Contact the IESO at 1-844-770-3148 to get started.
Kingston-Frontenac Renovates Program
The Kingston-Frontenac Renovates program offers eligible homeowners grants of up to $5,000 to make their homes more accessible or interest-free loans of up to $10,000 toward urgent repairs. Click the image to the left to learn more about the program. Any questions can be directed to Housing Department at 613-546-2695 ext. 4949 or housing@cityofkingston.ca.