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Last month, we introduced the City of Toronto's new Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), which offers low-interest loans aimed at improving the energy-efficiency of Toronto's ageing housing stock. The environmentally friendly retrofits provide long-term energy savings to the home-owner while reducing the strain on the city's power grid, making for more sustainable and cost-efficient city living. Now, in a tour of the first ever home to be renovated using HELP funding, we bring you an exclusive look at how the program works for homeowners.
The energy-efficient retrofit of Marie-Noëlle Maillard's Pacific Avenue home inaugurated the pilot program in 2013, when the back of the house's first floor was reconfigured with new insulation and windows (below). Previously home to the kitchen, the uninsulated space was, according to Maillard, "drafty and uncomfortable during the winter."
Becoming increasingly frustrated by the inhospitable space, Maillard, working with architect John Robert Carley, planned an extensive overhaul of it. The kitchen would be moved deeper into the house, making room for a new home office overlooking the picturesque garden. Addressing the lack of insulation and dated windows, Carley's renovation plan envisioned a cozy and light-filled new workspace at the back of the house, with energy-efficient new windows and insulation planned.
With the project fully designed and ready to go, Maillard attended a presentation at city hall, where Marco Iacampo, Supervisor, Environment Policy at the City of Toronto, introduced the nascent HELP program. As Iacampo explained the auspices of the program, which offered low-interest loans to project-ready homeowners, Maillard was immediately intrigued. "Right after Mr. Iacampo finished his presentation, I immediately went to talk to him, and he guided me through the whole process."
Upon showing interest in the program, Maillard's application process was "simple and easy," and the renovation got underway shortly thereafter (above). By early 2014, an inviting new home office replaced the previous kitchen, with new insulation and energy-efficient windows making for a much more comfortable environment (below). "It's where I spend all my time now," Maillard told us. Without increasing energy costs, the new space presents a significant improvement in comfort.
HELP financing is now available to homeowners living in detached, semi-detached, or row houses citywide. Following a home energy assessment—conducted by any certified professional of the homeowner's choice—a loan of up to 5% of the property's total value can be secured. These funds can be used to facilitate a range of home energy improvements, including the installation of efficient heating/cooling, air sealing, window and door replacement, insulation upgrades, toilet replacement, as well as a number of other energy-efficient upgrades.
Unlike bank loans, HELP's low-interest financing is linked directly to the property, not the homeowner. In the event that the property changes hands, the loan remains attached to the property tax, not to the previous homeowner, making for a uniquely flexible financing option. A range of repayment terms (from 5 years to 15 years) also provides flexibility, accommodating a variety of budgets and lifestyles.
HELP provides homeowners an opportunity to retrofit their living space in an environmentally sensitive and cost-efficient way, facilitating long-term savings (through reduced energy costs) while reducing energy consumption. Following an initial phase, which offered loans in select neighborhoods, the program is now available citywide. More information is available on the City of Toronto's HELP website, which can be found here.
