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Lights, Camera, Retrofit Action: Big White residents to sign up for Homesmart

South Kootenay residents encouraged to sign up for RDKB Homesmart
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Raven Atherton (left) and Freya Phillips, RDKB’s senior energy specialist. Phillips emphasizes the importance of the program, adding “RDKB HomeSmart is a significant step towards creating efficient and resilient homes in our community. We’re proud to offer a service that not only reduces energy consumption but also prepares homes for the challenges of a changing climate.” Photo: RDKB

“Lights, camera and retrofit action,” are go words for 2024 as the regional district launches a free home retrofit guidance service this month.

Homeowners across the RDKB (Regional District of Kootenay Boundary) — from Fruitvale to Big White — can apply to RDKB HomeSmart to get the ball rolling and learn about respective rebates and loans that are out there at any given time.

“Our goal is to make the retrofit journey accessible and straightforward for residents,” explains Raven Atherton, retrofit program coordinator for RDKB HomeSmart.

“From the initial sign-up to enjoying the home improvements, RDKB HomeSmart provides comprehensive support at every step.”

In a nutshell, RDKB Homesmart is designed to streamline the road to energy-efficient home improvements.

As the regional district points out, efficient and resilient retrofits are vital for reducing energy consumption, lowering costs, and future-proofing homes.

By joining RDKB HomeSmart, participants gain access to a range of benefits, including time-saving processes, simplified navigation of rebates and loans, and expert guidance from a knowledgeable independent team.

“We’ve designed RDKB HomeSmart to be a one-stop solution,” Atherton continues. “Our process involves signing up, discussing priorities with me, explaining how the professional assessments are done, and which local registered contractors can implement the improvements needed.

“The ultimate goal is for residents to enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and resilient home.”

As part of setting the service in motion, RDKB HomeSmart enlisted regional staff in a pre-launch trial.

“RDKB HomeSmart saved me a lot of time and confusion,” one staff member remarked. “The team has helped me identify all the different rebates and loans available so I can make a retrofit and resiliency plan.”

Sign up is simple.

Visit the regional district’s home page: rdkb.com.

Scroll down and click on “RDKB Homesmart Begin Your Retrofit Journey With Us.”

Questions?

Contact RDKB Homesmart via telephone at 250.368.0284 or by email at homesmart@rdkb.com.

Besides the regional district, the service is supported by Columbia Basin Trust and FortisBC.

Notably, Rossland has its own program, so applications from that municipality will be directed to Rossland Retrofit Assist: retrofitassist.ca/rossland.



Sheri Regnier

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