Durham Region rolls out free Weather‑Ready Home Assessments and low‑interest retrofit loans

Durham Region launched a free Weather‑Ready Home Assessment on May 2 at the Durham Home Energy and Electric Vehicle Expo in Whitby and has added a low‑interest Durham Greener Homes Loan Program for eligible energy retrofits, according to information posted on the region’s website.

The programs provide two different types of support for residents: an assessment focused on weather-related risks in and around the home, and financing for certain upgrades such as insulation, air sealing and heat pumps.

The Weather‑Ready Home Assessment is available at no cost to homeowners, landlords and tenants. It covers risks tied to extreme heat and cold, flooding and windstorms.

Durham Region says the assessment is offered both on-site and virtually across the region. Participants receive a customized report with home-specific recommendations, ranging from do‑it‑yourself actions to larger retrofit opportunities.

The Durham Greener Homes program is delivered in partnership with Windfall Ecology Centre.

Durham Region says the new Durham Greener Homes Loan Program provides low‑interest financing for eligible energy retrofit upgrades, including insulation, air sealing and heat pumps.

The region also says residents who connect with a Durham Greener Homes Coach can get information about incentives for deeper energy retrofits, including an additional $5,000 for Whitby residents.

In a statement included with the announcement, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry said the program expansion is intended to make it easier for residents to access “free tools” related to home improvements and “long‑term energy savings and weather readiness.”