According to BuildForce Canada, renovation activity in BC is projected to grow by 56%, with renovation employment increasing by 41% by 2033, making it the largest employer in the residential construction sector.
KAMLOOPS – In response to the growing demand for more comfortable, energy-efficient homes, the City of Kamloops is now offering residents an innovative and award-winning Retrofit Assist program.
Retrofit Assist guides homeowners through the entire retrofit process—from initial interest to project completion. This free concierge service provides participants with personalized guidance on how to make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable year-round; support to maximize available rebates; connection to expert energy advisors and contractors specializing in air sealing, insulation, windows, doors, heat pump installations, solar; and access to competitive financing.
In Kamloops, Retrofit Assist is being delivered by the Community Energy Association in collaboration with the City of Kamloops and SwitchPACE Community Investment Corporation.
“Deep energy retrofits allow homeowners to significantly enhance their home’s comfort and energy performance by addressing air leakage and improving insulation, followed by installing low carbon, high efficiency-heating and cooling systems,” said Glen Cheetham, the City’s Climate and Sustainability Manager. “While not every participant will undertake a full deep energy retrofit, Retrofit Assist supports homeowners at every level, helping them implement one or all of these key improvements.”
In addition to the Retrofit Assist program, the City offers rebate top-ups for installing electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps or upgrading eligible fireplace appliances. Previous initiatives, like Renovate Smart Kamloops, Climate Friendly Homes, and the See the Heat program, have been well received by the community. However, additional support is essential to meet the City’s Community Climate Action Plan target of retrofitting 2% of homes each year and achieving, on average, a 50% reduction in household greenhouse gas emissions.
According to BuildForce Canada, a national, industry-led organization that supports the construction industry, renovation activity in BC is projected to grow by 56%, with renovation employment increasing by 41% by 2033, making it the largest employer in the residential construction sector. Retrofit Assist aims to connect this rising demand with skilled contractors qualified to meet industry standards and ensure quality work.
“We’re addressing both the supply and demand sides of the retrofit process. We work closely with contractors to ensure they understand changing industry and rebate eligibility requirements, and we guide homeowners through each step to help them make informed decisions to maximize the benefits of their home energy upgrades,” said Mariah Byers, Community Energy Association’s Retrofit Assist Program Manager.
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