Energy retrofits save heritage house
Halton Hills, ON
ENERGY
Devereaux Conservation House
Worried that the town's rural character was being lost in a sea of new homes for buyers from nearby Toronto, concerned residents of Halton Hills launched a campaign to save Devereaux House, a condemned town-owned 19th-century heritage home on 100 acres of farmland.
To forestall slated demolition, Friends of Devereaux House argued that energy-saving upgrades and renovations could transform the residence into a rentable, financially self-sufficient community meeting place. The town agreed, and added $150,000 to a $34,000 Green Municipal Fund grant and $400,000 in private donations to refit the house with a geothermal heating and cooling system, new energy-saving windows, on-demand water heaters and high-grade wall and roof insulation.
Devereaux House is now a popular spot for social events and home to a community soccer club. Rental revenue covers operating costs.
Results
| Environmental | Economic | Social |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Challenges
- Finding contractors who shared the heritage group's conservation ethic.
- Hiring builders with energy-efficient heritage restoration experience.
- Persuading time-conscious tradespeople to restore, rather than replace, heritage features.
Lessons learned
- Volunteer fundraising takes time. Be prepared to spend more than you expect.
- Community members develop a sense of ownership in projects when they volunteer and help raise funds.
- Municipal authorities are amendable to financially self-sustaining heritage projects.
Partners and Collaborators
Project Contact
Ann Lawlor
Friends of Devereaux House
Halton Hills, ON
T. 905-877-5662
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