African Nova Scotian Communities Retrofit

Copies of the following must be submitted with your application:

1. Proof of income (see FAQs for qualifying proof of income documents)

2. Proof of home ownership (see FAQs for qualifying proof of home ownership documents)

3. Annual oil consumption (if you heat your home with oil)

See the next section for eligibility requirements for residents, communities and income thresholds.

You can download the application by selecting the "Apply Now" button on this page and then dropping it off or mailing it to us using the information provided on the form.

You can also apply in person at a designated community event or request a paper application by emailing ansc@efficiencyns.ca

This program is here to help African Nova Scotian communities make their homes more energy-efficient. It offers extra support and incentives to help homeowners reach these goals and live more comfortably year-round.

To be eligible for the Program, participants must:

• Be an African Nova Scotian resident of one of the identified pilot communities:

  • Preston Township: North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook, Lake Loon

  • Guysborough: Sunnyville, Lincolnville, Upper Big Tracadie, Monastery, Mulgrave

• Be an African Nova Scotian homeowner in an eligible home (as defined by the African Nova Scotian Communities Program)

• Have title to land (property assessment or tax bill), or provide a legal certificate acknowledging they are the rightful owners

• Meet low- or moderate-income criteria as defined by the HomeWarming program (using Oil to Heat Pump Affordability-defined moderate income thresholds)

• Provide recent proof of income (Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment showing net income for the past year)

Eligibility is mostly based on income levels, household size and energy usage for some retrofits.

You can apply online by selecting the "Apply Now" button on this page. You can also apply in person at a designated community event or request a paper application by emailing ansc@efficiencyns.ca.

Not at this time. Please reach out to our team at ansc@efficiencyns.ca if you have questions or need help.

The program offers a number of services to increase energy efficiency, including:

• Home Energy Assessments

• Switching from oil to heat pump heating systems

• Insulation and weatherproofing (windows, doors, etc.)

• Appliance retirement

• SolarHomes Program

• Energy efficient product installation

The program is typically free for eligible participants, though some costs may apply for certain upgrades and income levels. We encourage you to reach out to the ANSC team as support may be available.

Use a recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for all members of your household over the age of 18. You can request a copy from the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. Please note: T1s and T4s will not be accepted.

After-tax income is calculated as follows: take your Net Income (line 23600) and subtract the Total Taxes Payable (line 43500). Combine these results for every household member over the age of 18.

You can use a property tax assessment notice or a property tax bill. Please note: this must include the homeowner’s full name and civic address.

Depending on eligibility and home energy assessment results, the program may provide:

• Insulation (attic, walls, basement, crawl spaces)

• Weatherstripping/sealant around windows and doors

• Energy efficient heating and cooling systems

• Energy efficient product installations (LED lighting, showerheads and faucet aerators, smart thermostats, hot water tank and pipe wraps)

This program aims to address the most pressing energy efficiency needs based on the home energy assessment, but some participants may be able to prioritize certain upgrades. The program coordinators will discuss your needs during the home energy assessment process.

The timeline for upgrades depends on the scope of work and availability of contractors and inspectors. On average, home energy assessments and installation of upgrades may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some upgrades may have several processes that need to be followed for approval and inspections.

By improving the energy efficiency of your home, the program can help lower your monthly energy bills, make your home more comfortable and reduce your environmental footprint. Energy efficiency improvements can also increase the value of your home over time.

Yes, renters may be eligible for the program. You may need to get permission from your landlord for certain upgrades such as insulation or major repairs. The program team will help guide you through the process.

Yes! Energy efficient upgrades can significantly reduce energy consumption, which in turn helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program promotes sustainability while helping to combat climate change.