Better Homes Hamilton Program
![Promotion for Better Homes Hamilton Program](/sites/default/files/2023-06/sidebar-cta-betterhomeshamilton-sm.jpg)
For questions about the BHH program
Cathrin Winkelmann
Better Homes Hamilton Program Coach
Office of Climate Change Initiatives
Email [email protected]
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 3916
![decorative blue banner](/sites/default/files/2022-04/sidebar_thinBlue.jpg)
- December 1, 2023: Applications OPEN
- December 14, 2023: Virtual Information Session
- January 16, 17 & 22: In Person Information Sessions
- February 1, 2024: Applications CLOSE
- TBD: Due to the cybersecurity incident, the original date of March 31, 2024 was not met as planned. At this time, we cannot confirm the last date all applicants will be notified about application outcome.
![Promotion for Mak You Home Future-Ready for Better Homes Hamilton Program](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_lg/public/2023-12/postcard-better-homes.jpg.jpeg?itok=FHGdsUHu)
Application Review Delay
Due to the cybersecurity incident, city staff were unable to notify applicants of the status of their application by the March 31, 2024 deadline as planned. At this time, the processing of BHH applications continues to be affected.
The BHH Program Coach will notify all applicants of the application status as soon as processing functionality has been restored.
We apologize for the the inconvenience and greatly appreciate your patience.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Want to enjoy a more comfortable and energy efficient home? Welcome to the Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program!
The City of Hamilton has committed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. One key way to reach this goal is by reducing our emissions at home. City Council approved the Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program with the objective to provide up to $1 million in loans to homeowners to implement energy efficiency retrofits. The pilot stage of the program is targeting approximately 50 homes with each property able to receive a maximum of $20,000.
Better Homes Hamilton (BHH) Program Overview
Starting in fall 2023, City of Hamilton is piloting a residential energy-efficiency retrofit program to help make homes future ready.
Purpose of Pilot Program
- Support the greatest number of homeowners across Hamilton in undertaking upgrades which improve home energy efficiency and substantially reduce GHG emissions, while improving home comfort;
- Reduce barriers to participation through a combination of access to:
- Zero-interest loans.
- “Program Coach” service to guide participants through the BHH program, including help with maximizing rebates and/or grants from existing energy efficiency and income qualifying programs.
- Learn as much as possible from a variety of building archetypes, both urban and rural properties, as well as learning from the participation by homeowners of varying socio-demographics.
- Work to achieve Low Carbon Transformation 2: Transforming our Buildings within the Community Energy & Emissions Plan (CEEP) as part of Hamilton’s Climate Action Strategy (HCAS).
Project Goal: To learn about the different archetypes of buildings and identify barriers to energy efficiency retrofits in order to scale the BHH Program effectively.
Participation Eligibility Criteria
- Homeowner of a detached or semi-detached house or townhome within the City of Hamilton (landlords qualify).
- Participant’s Property Tax Account is paid by the owner(s).
- All property taxes and other payment obligations to the City must be in good standing (i.e. not in arrears).
- All homeowners on the Title must consent to participation in the BHH program.
- Homeowners must NOT have already purchased and/or installed the measures for which the BHH loan is being sought. In other words, homeowners who have installed a heat pump, draft proofing and insulation prior to applying for a BHH loan are not eligible to participate in the BHH program.
Program Steps
![Workflow graphic from steps 1 through 12 of the Better Homes Application](/sites/default/files/2023-11/bhh-steps-sm.jpg)
Steps
- Apply to the BHH Pilot Program Online.
- If successful, receive Notice to Proceed with Quotes.
- Optional session with BHH Program Coach.
- Obtain optional pre-retro-fit Home Energy Assessment and identify your retrofits.
- Session with BHH Program Coach.
- Submit Funding Request Package.
- If successful, receive and sign Property Owner Agreement.
- Hire contractors to start and complete your retrofit work (including optional post-retrofit Home Energy Assessment),
- Use your own money to pay all contractors (using e.g. your savings or personal line of credit, financing arrangement through contractor, etc.) before receiving your BHH loan.
- Submit Project Completion Report with all paid contractor invoices and receipts.
- Receive your BHH loan.
- Start repaying your BHH loan through your property tax bill.
Resources
- EnerGuide Energy Efficiency Home Evaluations | Government of Canada
- Find a Registered Energy Advisor | Government of Canada
- Keeping The Heat In | Government of Canada
- Air-Source Heat Pump | Government of Canada
- Tips & Resources | Alectra Utilities
- Energy Savings for Homes | Hydro One
- Rebates & Energy Conservation | Enbridge Gas
- Choose a Contractor | Enbridge Gas
- Insulate Your Home & Air Sealing | Enbridge Gas
- Better Homes Ontario