Cancellation of GreenON program leaves rebate-seekers out of luck

Pre-existing projects can be completed and receive discounts until October 31st

If the promise of governmentfunded rebates had you planning future environmentally friendly home improvements, you’re too late. Premier-designate Doug Ford announced last Tuesday his first order of business as premier will be to scrap the carbon emission-controlling cap-and-trade program, which funds several green initiatives including the Green Ontario Fund, or GreenON, program.

The Ontario Liberal government introduced the home improvement rebate program in December 2017 as part of its Climate Action Plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Until Wednesday, the fund offered homeowners rebates to complete specific energy-efficient upgrades to windows, insulation, and thermostats, and to install particular solar panels, geothermal systems, and air source heat pumps.

Ron Gauthier, who owns Gauthier Roofing and Siding in Windsor, said not all contractors were eligible to offer their customers program rebates. He had to complete out of town training to become a participating contractor under the program.

“The sad part is that most contractors, us included, felt forced to get involved with the program, as otherwise business would likely drop drastically,” said Gauthier. “Who’s going to buy windows from a non-participating contractor when they can get premium windows at $500 off per opening from a participating contractor?”

The GreenON website once detailed all available rebates and how to apply for them. As of Wednesday, the same website now has only one page with a notice beginning, “The following programs are closed,” listing everything the fund once offered.

The program will only accept new rebate applications accompanied by proof a prior commitment between the customer and contractor was in place before June 19 2018.

In a news conference Wednesday, Ford said those interested would have until the end of October to complete program-related renovations and apply for rebates. This announcement comes after public backlash for the original August 31 deadline posted to the GreenON website Tuesday left homeowners and contractors scrambling to finish projects in time.

Gauthier’s customers were eligible for rebates on windows and rigid exterior wallboard insulation installed under new siding. He said most of his scheduled rebate-related projects will be complete before the October deadline. He offered customers whose projects don’t meet the cut-off modified contracts with lower costs materials that would not meet the now unnecessary GreenON requirements. Customers were also able to cancel without obligation.

“So far no one has cancelled and they’ve either decided to proceed as planned or proceed with product modifications,” said Gauthier.

Gauthier’s business celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. He says he’s typically always busy, and he doesn’t expect any change in demands when the program ends other than a shorter backlog of sold projects.

Andrew Bonnett owns Artika Spray Foam, a Windsor-Essex insulation installation company and participating GreenON rebate contractor. He doesn’t expect to see many changes after October, either.

“It’ll decrease my revenue, but it’s not going to kill me,” said Bonnett. “It’s going to hurt the people who want the job done most.” He said a lot of people who otherwise could not afford updated insulation were able to pay for it through the provincial program. Bonnett said he dealt with timeconsuming GreenON red tape so his customers could apply for rebates. He said when the program is finished, he will spend less time filing paperwork and more time doing job quotes.

The program rebates included $100 on smart thermostats, multiple $1000s on insulated and high performance windows, up to $5800 on air source heat pumps, and up to $20,000 on geothermal systems.

The $377-million program also funded green projects in food manufacturing, covered agriculture, social housing, and small and medium businesses. These will also be axed with cap and trade.

It’ll decrease my revenue, but it’s not going to kill me. It’s going to hurt the people who want the job done most.