Home Retrofit Loan Program Launches in Peterborough

Peterborough, ON – A new financing program aimed at helping homeowners lower energy bills, improve the comfort of homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is now available to residents in the City of Peterborough.

Better Homes Peterborough is a four-year retrofit program offering low-interest financing, targeted incentives, and personalized support to help homeowners navigate complex retrofits.

Upgrades can include insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, air sealing, solar panels and battery storage, high-efficiency water heaters, lighting, EV chargers, and electrical upgrades. Homeowners can use up to 30% of their retrofit loan for cosmetic or non-energy-related upgrades.

Improving a home’s energy efficiency can also help boost resiliency to extreme weather events.

The program is available to city residents who own detached or semi-detached houses, townhouses or small multi-unit buildings up to three storeys high.

Two financing options are available for residents - a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) Loan through the City of Peterborough, or a personal loan through Kawartha Credit Union.

More information on financing and eligibility requirements can be found at betterhomesptbo.ca or call 1-888-284-9417 toll-free to speak with a representative.

Better Homes Peterborough is being offered in partnership with EnviroCentre, Kawartha Credit Union, GreenUP and the City of Peterborough.

Quotes

“Residential buildings contribute almost 40% of local greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting your home is not just an investment in your house, but an investment in the collective future of our residents and our city. By taking individual steps to reduce our emissions we can help the city hit its target of net-zero by 2050. Better Homes Peterborough is a key part of that effort.”- Mayor Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough

“Programs like Better Homes Peterborough demonstrate how municipalities, financial institutions, and delivery partners can work together to remove barriers to deep energy retrofits. At EnviroCentre, we’re proud to bring our technical expertise and on-the-ground experience to help ensure the program delivers measurable results for the residents of Peterborough, and the City’s long-term climate goals.”- Melanie Johnston, Director of Energy Programs, EnviroCentre

“We are proud to partner with the City of Peterborough on Better Homes Peterborough, which reflects our dedication to sustainability and to helping community members achieve their home improvement goals. At Kawartha Credit Union, we’re actively reducing our carbon footprint by choosing 100% renewable energy, and we believe in empowering homeowners in our communities to embrace a greener future for all.”- Norah McCarthy, President & CEO, Kawartha Credit Union 

“GreenUP is very proud to support the launch of Better Homes Peterborough. We know from experience that navigating energy rebate programs is challenging and the coaching that this new program will provide is critical to helping homeowners make their homes more comfortable and efficient. We look forward to working with partners and participants to ensure that Better Homes Peterborough helps reduce emissions in our region!”- Tegan Moss, Executive Director, GreenUP

Partner Organizations

About EnviroCentre
EnviroCentre is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa that designs and delivers practical solutions to address climate change. With over two decades of experience delivering home energy efficiency programs, EnviroCentre provides expert support and guidance throughout the retrofit process. As a core delivery partner in Better Homes Peterborough, EnviroCentre brings trusted expertise and a proven track record in helping Canadians make their buildings more comfortable, energy-efficient, and climate-ready.

GreenUP:

GreenUP is an environmental non-profit organization based in Peterborough, dedicated to inspiring and empowering a healthy and sustainable community. Through hands-on education, innovative programs, and community partnerships, we help individuals and organizations to embrace environmental action and create lasting positive change. GreenUP has been a trusted provider of EnerGuide home energy assessments in the Peterborough region for decades, and is pleased to be supporting Better Homes Peterborough by providing energy coaching services to program participants.

Kawartha Credit Union:

Kawartha Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving over 50,000 members across 22 branches from Cornwall to Parry Sound, with convenient access to online and mobile banking and thousands of surcharge-free ATMs through the Exchange® Network. With more than 70 years of experience and a focus on service excellence, Kawartha offers competitive financial products and personalized advice. As a member-owned credit union, each member holds a share and a voice in how the organization is run. Since 1998, Kawartha has invested over $3 million in community support through its Community Involvement Program, alongside year-round employee volunteerism.