Waterloo Region — The Region of Waterloo, in partnership with GrandBridge Energy, is launching RetrofitWR, a new program that helps eligible homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to improve home comfort, reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Launching in spring 2026 for GrandBridge Energy customers in Cambridge and North Dumfries, the program will offer low-interest loans and expert guidance, with Energy Coach support   available to homeowners across the Waterloo Region.

A total of $7,928,392 has been made available for RetrofitWR, including a $2,642,797 grant and $5,285,595 in loans, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada. In 2021, GMF’s Community Efficiency Financing initiative supported the Region of Waterloo with $175,000 to complete a residential energy retrofit loan program design study, laying the groundwork for this project.

The program will be delivered in partnership by the Region of Waterloo, GrandBridge Energy and Reep Green Solutions, bringing together local expertise in energy efficiency to support homeowners through the retrofit process. 

Through RetrofitWR, homeowners can access: 

• Low-interest loans (2.5%) for upgrades that increase home energy performance, repaid through their monthly GrandBridge Energy electricity bill. 
• A free, independent Energy Coach to help plan upgrades and identify available financial incentives for all Waterloo Region residents. 
• A user-friendly website with resources to guide homeowners through the retrofit process. 
• Additional financial support for income-eligible households.

Eligible home upgrades include heat pumps, insulation and air sealing, energy-efficient windows and doors, electric water heaters, smart thermostats, rooftop solar panels and other improvements that increase home energy performance. 

RetrofitWR builds on a 2021 feasibility study led by Reep Green Solutions, in partnership with the Area Municipalities, local Utilities, Conestoga College, ClimateActionWR and WRCommunity Energy and leverages the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Community Efficiency Financing framework. 

Applications will open in spring 2026 and will continue while funding is available. Residents interested in learning more about RetrofitWR are encouraged to sign up for program updates and application information through RetrofitWR.ca. 

Quotes

“By connecting residents with trusted guidance and support, RetrofitWR will make it easier for residents to undertake energy-efficient home upgrades. Through this program with trusted partners, we’re working toward a vision of expanding the program across the region to improve home comfort and efficiency while also supporting our community's climate goals."

Karen Redman, Regional Chair

“GrandBridge Energy is proud to support RetrofitWR. By integrating financing directly onto the electricity bill and working with trusted community partners, this program will help connect our customers with tools and programs that make energy efficiency more accessible.”

Sarah Hughes, CEO, GrandBridge Energy Inc.  

“Reep Green Solutions is excited to support RetrofitWR by providing Energy Coach services that help homeowners confidently navigate the retrofit process. From planning upgrades to identifying incentives and connecting with qualified contractors, our role is to provide guidance so that residents can make informed decisions that will improve home comfort, lower energy use and reduce emissions in our community.” 

Patrick Gilbride, Executive Director, Reep Green Solutions

“Retrofits are one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for homeowners – but upfront costs can put them out of reach for many Canadians. Financing programs like RetrofitWR help remove that barrier and make meaningful efficiency upgrades a reality for residents. FCM is proud to support the Region of Waterloo in delivering this kind of impactful, locally driven climate action.”

Rebecca Bligh, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

About FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.98 million tonnes, funded more than 16,000 person-years of employment, and contributed $1.53 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,736 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada. Learn more at https://fcm.ca

About GrandBridge Energy Inc.

GrandBridge Energy delivers safe and reliable electricity to 116,000 customers in the City of Brantford, the City of Cambridge, the Township of North Dumfries and the County of Brant. GrandBridge Energy’s ambition is to inspire and enable local communities to create a sustainable and resilient future by leading energy transition. Learn more at https://grandbridgeenergy.com 

About Reep Green Solutions 

Reep Green Solutions is an environmental charity based in Waterloo Region that helps residents and organizations reduce their environmental impact through practical programs, education and support. Reep works with homeowners, businesses and community partners to take action on energy efficiency and climate resiliency. Through services such as home energy coaching and retrofit guidance, Reep helps residents to make informed decisions about upgrades that improve their home comfort, reduce energy use and lower our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more at https://reepgreen.ca.

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