Applications opening for City of Nanaimo zero-interest home retrofit loans

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 1, 2026 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is opening up a second intake of the Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program. Beginning Sept. 14, 2026, homeowners can apply for interest-free financing to retrofit their homes with energy-efficient options. Following a successful intake in spring 2025 that supported 14 home retrofits to improve home comfort and lower their energy bills, the City is opening the program up again for new applications.

The program offers up to $15,000 in interest-free loans to help Nanaimo homeowners access funding for retrofits such as heat pumps, insulation, windows/doors, and solar photovoltaic(PV) systems. Each homeowner’s loan amount will be paid off over ten years via an additional charge on their property tax bill. The program will be open to eligible Nanaimo homeowners with property taxes that are in good standing.

Residents intending to apply for a loan will need to register in the free Home Energy Navigator support program. Learn more on the City's website.

This intake period closes on Oct. 31, 2026, and priority will be given based on income and equity, energy savings and the climate/resiliency impact of the retrofit. For example, seniors (especially those living alone and of lower-income) will be given priority consideration.

Interested homeowners can join a free information session on Sept. 14 at 12:30 p.m. Please email sustainability@nanaimo.ca to register. For more information and to apply beginning Sept. 14, 2026, visit the Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program page.

Link to Strategic Plan: Developing a financing and rebate program to accelerate the replacement of high-carbon energy systems with low carbon energy systems is a priority action within the City of Nanaimo's Integrated Action Plan.

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