The Old Ottawa South program provides a way to advance the renovation of old homes

For some Old Ottawa South homeowners, refurbishing a 100-year-old home is It was always fascinating. However, it can be tedious and costly.

"Whenever I tear a wall or tear all the floors as we did, I'm always surprised ... it was a complete internal organ and reconstruction." Said Matthew Lacompto, who renovated a 100-year-old house in the neighborhood a few years ago.

EnviroCentre, an Ottawa-based organization that supports businesses and homeowners in sustainability efforts to help others facing this kind of surprise during home remodeling. Has developed a program that clearly describes energy efficiency upgrades. The pilot program, launched last year at Old Ottawa South, called

Future Homes Ottawa, provides incentives and incentives available through the city's energy evolution strategy aimed at acquiring Ottawa. Providing Home Owners Information About Rebate Programs Future Homes provides home energy ratings for six interested homeowners and is used to showcase some of the key features of energy-efficient homes. Developed a demonstration project housing to be done. (Homeowners of the six demo homes have completed initial audits, obtained quotes from contractors, and their refurbishment is supported by Future Homes.)

Program Issued by the newOttawaClimate Action Fund(OCAF), which was the first recipient of the grant. This is a local organization funded by a $ 21.7 million donation from the federal government to support the city's low-carbon solutions. Tina Nicholson, director of OCAF partnerships and programs, said the EnviroCentre project gives homeowners "an opportunity to see your home as a system for informed energy refurbishment upgrades." ..

"When considering energy refurbishments and major refurbishments, make sure the contractor and service provider are working together," said Nicholson, an energy-efficient upgrade. Pointed out that homeowners who do may need to do the following: Utilize multiple providers to install heat pumps, update heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and perform electrical work.

Future Homes Ottawa is a local homeowner's interest in net-zero refurbishment as Ottawa merchants prepare to carry out major refurbishments over the next few years. Said that it continues to increase. According to the organization, this program aims to enable Ottawa to take advantage of new support for major renovations in the country.

However, not everyone provides incentives for remodeling projects. Rebecca Will, who owns a house in Old Ottawa South, built in 1912, said it wasn't the best way to spend money.

"Of course, our house needs to be upgraded from time to time. It's like having to bring a car to the store once in a while," Will said. "It's the price of owning something."

Will said he wants to fund people who can't afford a home. rice field.

"Why do we need to subsidize older people in society, including myself? We all had good employment opportunities throughout our lives. We just arrived. I want to fund (support) people. " "My son, despite being a graduate, will have a lot of trouble buying a home. That's what I feel. These to help those who already have a lot. I don't like the program. ”

However, other homeowners in Old Ottawa South are interested in pursuing the“ major refurbishment ”promoted by the project.

"We have been renovating this house for 20 years," said Susan Townley, who built the house in 1926. She said she was very interested in this initiative.

Townley said her home was a multi-generational home with four children. Originally there were only three bedrooms, so her family changed the physical composition of the house and added another room upstairs. Townley's husband handled all the work, except for the professional electrical and plumbing system.

More generally, Future Homes Ottawa project developer Brodie Kinnear states that comfortable living is usually "related to ventilation, airtightness, and insulation." When we are talking about homes of these centuries. Much of that (problem) is related to the fact that they are old and draft. Therefore, it may not be possible to obtain stable temperatures throughout the year or even throughout the day.

For example, according to Kinnear, homeowners know they're blowing away the heat, but the house is still cold. As a result, they burn more fuel than they need to and increase their carbon dioxide emissions. According to

Kinnear, 45% of greenhouse gas emissions come from existing Ottawa homes and buildings, primarily from heating and cooling, andround 27% of homes until 2030. Needs to be refurbished. Cent by 2050 to reach the city's net zero goal. 

Improving energy efficiency can also create a healthier environment in the home, Nicholson said.

For example, Nicholson suffers from asthma, so he said he "is keenly aware of the improvement in air quality" in the refurbished home.

"If not properly insulated, there may be condensation and mold. If someone has a fundamental health condition, it can make things worse. There is, "said Nicholson.

Nicholson added that the project is also an "education" on refurbishment for the average homeowner.