Investing in a brighter, more resilient future
HOME ENERGY AND RESILIENCE UPGRADES
Home-energy upgrade financing program
Ontario
When Tannis and Mark moved into their Guelph home, they were drawn to its unique 1970s design. With large windows and roof overhangs that naturally shaded the house in summer while letting in winter sun, it already had a touch of energy-savvy design. But for decades, one dream remained out of reach: solar panels.
“It’s something I’ve wanted since the 1970s,” Tannis says. “Back then, it wasn’t affordable, but I always hoped one day it would be possible.”
That dream came to life thanks to Guelph Greener Homes, delivered by the City of Guelph. The program gave the couple the financial flexibility to pursue a deep retrofit of their home.
Tackling a deep retrofit
Tannis and Mark decided to make the most of the program, bundling several major upgrades into a single project. They installed a rooftop solar power system—10.4 kilowatts of panels paired with a 10-kilowatt inverter—large enough to cover most of their household electricity needs and even supply power back to the grid. They also added a cold-climate air-source heat pump that can operate efficiently even during Ontario’s cold winters, and switched out their water heater, dryer, and range for electric models. They also bought an electric vehicle, making their household nearly fossil-fuel free.
The solar installation was especially meaningful. “It was turnkey,” says Tannis. “The contractor took care of everything—the permits, the inspections, the coordination. It couldn’t have been easier.”
A smooth program experience
The couple first heard about Guelph Greener Homes through local media and applied right away. The program’s structure—zero-interest loans repaid overtime through their property tax bill, combined with available rebates—made it financially manageable.
They also appreciated the program’s design. While a bridging loan was required to cover the contractor deposits and final payments, the reimbursement process was remarkably quick and efficient. “It was a matter of days from submitting receipts to receiving a cheque from the city,” says Tannis.
“We were impressed with how fast it all moved,” says Mark. “From the time we applied to the time the work was complete, it felt seamless.”
Comfort and efficiency gains
The impact of the upgrades was immediate. Their three-storey home, once prone to hot and cold spots, is now consistently comfortable throughout the year. “The temperature is even on every floor,” Tannis explains. “And in summer, the solar panels keep the roof cooler, so the house stays more comfortable too.”
Their energy bills tell the same story. Compared to their 12-year average, household energy use has dropped by 85 percent. With the solar panels generating much of their electricity, overall costs have fallen by more than 60 percent—and that includes charging their electric car. “In reality, it’s probably closer to 70 percent,” Mark says.
Climate change, close to home
For Tannis and Mark, the decision to retrofit wasn’t just about bills or comfort. Their motivation was deeply personal, rooted in lived experience with the impacts of climate change.
“We’ve had friends and family members under threat of evacuation from wildfires in Kelowna and Moncton, while those in Winnipeg were too close for comfort,” says Tannis. “When it touches people you love, it stops being abstract. That’s when we knew we wanted to take action in our own lives.”
The upgrades have also inspired those around them. “Friends and family see what we’ve done, and it sparks conversations,” Mark adds. “It shows that these changes aren’t just possible—they’re worthwhile.”
Advice for other homeowners
Looking back, Tannis and Mark encourage others to do their homework. “Contractors are knowledgeable, but in order to make the right choice for you when comparing quotes, it helps if you are knowledgeable too,” Tannis says. “It’s important to research and ask the right questions.”
They also recommend thinking about timing and long-term planning. “If you’re considering solar, make sure your roof is in good shape first,” Mark advises. “And pay attention to the specifications of the heat pump so you know it will perform in your climate.”
Most importantly, they stress the role of programs like Guelph Greener Homes. “Without the loan and rebates, we couldn’t have done this all at once,” says Tannis. “These programs are what make it possible for families to make meaningful upgrades.”
Investing in the future
Today, Tannis and Mark are living in the kind of home they once only imagined: powered by the sun, heated and cooled efficiently, and designed for a climate resilient future. For them, it’s more than just a home improvement project—it’s an investment in the well-being of future generations.
“It feels good,” Mark says. “This was a dream we had for decades, and now it’s real. We’re proud of what we’ve done—not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.”
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
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