• Disclosure of LIC time of sale – What mechanisms can be utilized to ensure that the LIC tax on an existing home is disclosed to future buyers at the time of sale?

• Program design such that the final program ensures that retrofits are accessible to Windsor residents on low and/or fixed incomes, so they too would benefit from reduced energy bills

• Delivery of Climate Change adaptation measures as a component of the program (ex. Basement Flooding Subsidy Program, backwater valve, sump pump, rain barrel etc.)

• Marketing strategy to ensure awareness of the program goals and benefits to the community and to individual homeowners

• Engaging with Investors, primarily from third-party long-term lenders and confirm interest in lending to the MSC

• Program Administration, inclusive of the feasibility of meeting program targets such as emissions reduction, community benefit, financial sustainability and affordability

• Financial and Legal considerations to the Corporation resulting from the development, administration and implementation of a R-DEER Program.

Acknowledging the significant work and due diligence still required, Administration is recommending that further discussion on the benefits and risk continue with stakeholders in all impacted City Departments. This work is critical to informing how the development of the Business Plan proceeds.

Funding Opportunities

FCM is expecting to launch their EcoEfficiency retrofit funding program by the spring 2020. The program has receive $300 million dollars from the Federal government to provide funding and capacity building that addresses existing knowledge and skill gaps, meets the needs of municipalities and supports successful design and delivery of energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. It is anticipated that, similar to other FCM green municipal fund programs, a minimum of 50% funding could be provided through this program for any initiatives that are undertaken by the municipality.

Emission Reductions

Successful implementation of the program has the ability to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 235,000 tonnes annually by 2041 making it the single largest GHG reduction initiative currently identified in the CEP. This supports the Climate Emergency declared by City Council in November 2019 as it accelerates climate change mitigation. Based on the detailed analysis outlined in the CEP, it is clear that without a home retrofit program of this nature the CEP emissions reduction goals cannot be met.