Province providing funds for retrofits in local social housing projects
The County of Wellington will be distributing provincial funds for energy efficiency retrofits in local social housing projects.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Social Housing announced on April 15 the county will distribute $115,219 from the province’s Green Investment Fund in Guelph and Wellington.
The county will select local projects through a competitive process, the ministry stated in a press release.
Municipal affairs minister Ted McMeeken said the funding is part of the province’s new climate change strategy.
“This initiative brings needed upgrades to older, energy inefficient homes to reduce energy costs and better serve tenants, while helping Ontario meet the climate challenges of today and tomorrow,” he stated.
“Our government is committed to strengthening our communities and responding to the impacts of climate change. This investment will help Guelph and Wellington County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing savings for low-income Ontarians,” said Guelph MPP Liz Sandals.
“We are very pleased to be involved in this provincial initiative that aligns with local energy plans and also contributes to the vision of our 10-year housing and homelessness plan. Combined, these two initiatives will help further support all those in Guelph/Wellington to find and maintain an appropriate, safe and affordable place to call home,” stated Wellington County Warden George Bridge.
Through the Green Investment Fund, the province is investing $10 million across the province to improve energy efficiency in single-family homes.
This program is expected to improve electrical efficiency in about 950 of Ontario’s social housing single-family homes. Retrofits will include installing energy-efficient heating systems, appliances, hot water tanks, lighting, windows and insulation.
The province says the retrofits will stimulate the regional economy, as local businesses will be engaged to carry out the work.
